T^t^HAy^^^V^      S-  /     /V^t^ 


H^h^^L"^ 


AuFiDius  :      '*  I  know  thee  not.      Thy  name  ?  " 
CoRiOLANUs  :      "  My  name  is  Caius  Marcius  " 

CoRioLANUS  Aci  IV  Scene  5 


iHooklovers  Ecfi?!;ion  "''^"^ 


^oriolaryus 

V 

2flllian\S}\al^spGarG 


VlTi^T^  I  r^  ro  cTu  c  ^  i  o  rxs, 

«^/^otGs,  Glossary, 

Critical    ^on\rT\Gi\jts, 

arycf  ./i^e^Kocf  of  Stucfy 


Copyright,    1901 

By 

THE    UNIVERSITY    SOCIETY 


COLLEG 
LIBRAm 

A  I 

THE   TRAGEDY  OF   CORIOLANUS.  \^,o  ^ 
Preface. 


The  First  Edition.  Coriolamis  was  first  published  in 
the  Folio  of  1623,  where  it  was  originally  placed  at  the 
head  of  the  division  of  *'  Tragedies,"  occupying  pages  i- 
30;  subsequently,  howxver,  Troiliis  and  Cressida  was 
placed  before  it.  The  text  of  the  play  is  extremely  un- 
satisfactory, due  to  the  careless  transcript  put  into  the 
printers'  hands. 

The  play  is  mentioned  in  the  Stationers'  Registers, 
under  date  of  Nov.  8,  1623,  as  one  of  sixteen  plays  not 
previously  entered  to  other  men. 

The  Date  of  Composition.  There  is  no  definite  ex- 
ternal evidence  for  the  date  of  Corioloiins  •/"  general  con- 
siderations of  style,  diction,  and  metrical  tests f  point  to 
1608-1610  as  the  most  probable  years,  and  justify  us  in 

*  The  reference  to  the  "ripest  mulberry"  (III.  ii.  79)  was 
thought  by  Malone  and  Chalmers  to  bear  on  the  date ;  for  in  1609 
the  King  made  an  attempt  to  encourage  the  breeding  of  silk- 
vvorms.  Similarly,  Chahners  found  in  the  references  to  famine 
and  death  allusions  to  the  year  1609.  Political  allusions  have  also 
been  found.  All  these  doubtful  pieces  of  evidence  'seem  utterly 
valueless. 

t  The  light-endings  and  weak-endings,  scanty  in  all  the  previous 
plays  (the  largest  number  being  21  of  the  former,  and  2  of  the 
latter,  in  Macbeth),  reach  the  number  of  71  and  28,  respectively, 
in  Antony;  60  and  44  in  Coriolamis;  78  and  52  in  Cymbeline;  42 
and  25  in  The  Tempest;  57  and  43  in  The  Winters  Talc.  All 
these  are  plays  of  Shakespeare's  Fourth,  or  last,  Period. 


Preface  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

placing  it  next  to  Antony  and  Cleopatra,  closely  con- 
nected with  it  by  consideration  of  subject  and  source. 

The  Source  of  the  Plot.  Coriolamis  was  directly  de- 
rived from  Sir  Thomas  North's  famous  version  of  Plu- 
tarch's ''Lives  of  the  Noble  Grecians  and  Romans,"  the 
book  to  which  Shakespeare  was  indebted  also  for  his 
Julius  Ccesar,  Antony  and  Cleopatra,  and,  to  some  extent, 
for  Timon  of  Athens,  and  which  has  been  fittingly  de- 
scribed as  *'  most  sovereign  in  its  dominion  over  the 
minds  of  great  men  in  all  ages."  North's  monumental 
version  is  one  of  the  masterpieces  of  Enghsh  prose,  and 
no  better  proof  exists  than  a  comparison  of  the  play 
with  its  original.  Shakespeare  has  borrowed  North's 
very  vocabulary,  and  many  of  his  most  striking  effects ; 
so  closely  does  he  follow  the  whole  history  that  North's 
prose  may  actually  assist  in  restoring  a  defective  passage ; 
e.g.  in  Act  II.  Sc.  iii.  11.  251-253  the  foHo  reads: — 

"  And  Nobly  nam'd,  so  twice  being  Censor 
Was  his  great  Ancestor  :  " 

the  lines  are  obviously  corrupt,  owing  to  the  loss  of  some 
words,  or  of  a  whole  line ;  the  passage  is  adequately  re- 
stored simply  by  "  following  Shakespeare's  practice  of 
taking  so  many  of  North's  words  in  their  order,  as  would 
fall  into  blank  verse,"  and  there  is  Httle  doubt  that  it 
should  be  printed  thus  : — 

"  [And  Censorinus  that  was  so  siirnamed,] 
And  nobly  named  so,  tzvice  being  Censor;  " 

the  words  given  in  italics  are  those  taken  from  North. 
As  an  instance  of  the  closeness  of  the  play  to  its  original 
the  following  lines  afford  an  excellent  illustration : — 

"  Should  we  be  silent  and  not  speak,  our  raiment 
And  state  of  bodies  would  bewray  what  life 
We  have  led  since  thy  exile.    Think  with  thyself 
How  more  unfortunte  than  all  living  women 
Are  we  come  hither:  " 


CORIOLANUS  Preface 

Shakespeare  has  here  merely  touched  with  the  magic  of 
his  genius  these  words  of  North : — "  If  we  held  our  peace 
(my  son)  and  determined  7wt  to  speak  the  state  of  our 
poor  bodies,  and  present  sight  of  oitr  raiment  zcoiild 
easily  bewray  to  thee  zi'Jiat  life  zve  have  led  at  home,  since 
thy  exile  and  abode  abroad.  But  think  how  zvith  thyself, 
hozv  much  more  unfortunately'^  than  all  the  zvomen  lizing 
zve  are  come  hither."  The  same  correspondence  is  found 
in  the  other  great  speech  of  the  play ;  "  the  two  speeches," 
as  Mr.  George  Wyndham  excellently  observes,  "  dressed 
the  one  in  perfect  prose,  the  other  in  perfect  verse,  are 
both  essentially  the  same  under  their  faintly  yet  magically 
varied  raiment." 

The  literary  history  of  North's  book  is  briefly  sum- 
marised on  its  title-page : — "  The  Lives  of  the  Noble 
Grecians  and  Romans,  compared  together  by  that  grave 
learned  philosopher  and  historiographer,  Plutarke  of 
Ch^ronia,  translated  out  of  Greek  into  French  by  Tames 
Amyot,  Abbot  of  Bellozane,  Bishop  of  Auxerre,  one  of 
the  King's  Privy  Council,  and  great  Amner  of  France,  and 
out  of  French  into  English  by  Thomas  North.     1579." 

*"  Unfortunately"  in  the  editions  of  1579,  1595,  1603;  but  "un- 
fortunate" in  the  1612  edition;  hence  some  scholars  argue  that 
Shakespeare  must  have  used  the  late  edition,  and  that  the  play- 
must  therefore  be  dated  1612  or  after ;  the  argument  may,  how- 
ever, be  used  the  other  way  round ;  the  emendation  in  the  1612 
edition  of  North  may  have  been,  and  probably  was,  derived  from 
Shakespeare's  text. 

In  this  connection  it  is  worth  while  noting  that  there  is  a  copy 
of  the  1612  edition  of  North's  Plutarch  in  the  Greenock  Library, 
with  the  initials  "  W.  S."  In  the  first  place,  it  is  not  certain  that 
the  signature  is  genuine :  in  the  second,  if  it  were  proved  to  be 
Shakespeare's,  it  would  merely  seem  that  Shakespeare  possessed 
this  late  edition  of  the  work.  Julius  Ccesar  is  sufficient  evidence 
that  he  possessed  a  copy  of  one  of  the  early  editions.  It  happens 
that  in  the  Greenock  copy  there  are  some  suggestive  notes  in  the 
Life  of  Julius  Ccesar.  and  these  seem  to  me  to  tell  against  the  gen- 
uineness of  the  initials  on  the  fly-leaf.  Vide  Skeat's  "Shake- 
speare's Plutarch,"  Introduction. 


Preface  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

A  worthy  tribute  to  North's  memory  is  the  noble  edi- 
tion of  his  work,  now  in  course  of  pubhcation,  in  the 
'*  Tudor  Translation  Series,"  issued  by  Mr.  Nutt,  with 
an  introductory  study  of  rare  excellence  by  Mr.  Wynd- 
ham ;  his  dedicatory  words  should  be  remembered : — 
"  This  transfiguration  in  Unfading  English  of  an 
immortal  book."" 

Duration  of  Action.  The  time  of  this  play  is  eleven 
days  represented  on  the  stage  with  intervals,  arranged  as 
follows : — 

Day  I,  Act  I.  Sc.  i.  Interval.  Day  2,  Act  I.  Sc.  ii. 
Interval.  Day  3,  Act  I.  Sc.  iii.  to  x.  Interval.  Day  4, 
Act  II.  Sc.  i.  Interval.  Day  5,  Act  II.  Sc.  ii.  to  Act  IV. 
Sc.  ii.  Day  6,  Act  IV.  Sc.  iii.  Day  7,  Act  IV.  Sc.  iv.  and 
V.  Interval.  Day  8,  Act  IV.  Sc.  vi.  Interval.  Day  9, 
Act  IV.  Sc.  vii.  Interval.  Day  10,  Act  V.  Sc.  i.-v.  In- 
terval.    Day  II,  Act  V.  Sc.  vi. 

The  actual  Historical  time  represented  in  this  play 
"  comprehends  a  period  of  about  four  years,  commencing 
with  the  secession  to  the  Mons  Sacer  in  the  year  of  Rome 
262,  and  ending  with  the  death  of  Coriolanus,  a.  u.  c. 
266"  {vide  Nezv  Shak.  Soc.  Transactions,  1877). 


CORIOLANUS 


Critical  Comments. 
I. 

Argument. 

I.  After  the  expulsion  of  the  Tarquins  from  Rome  en- 
sues a  famine,  which  is  reHeved  by  a  free  distribution  of 
corn.  This  allowance  encourages  the  plebeians  to  make 
further  demands  upon  the  patricians,  from  whom  they  ask 
corn  henceforth  at  their  own  price.  As  a  concession,  five 
tribunes  elected  by  themselves  are  allowed  to  represent 
them — two*  of  whom,  Sicinius  Velutus  and  Junius  Brutus, 
are  demagogues,  and,  therefore,  opposed  to  Caius  Mar- 
cius,  a  high-minded  nobleman,  who  will  not  curry  favour 
with  the  populace.  Naturally  Marcius  is  unpopular, 
in  spite  of  a  splendid  military  record;  but  war  breaking 
out  at  this  time  with  the  Volscians,  he  is  enabled  to  re- 
gain popular  favour  and  win  fresh  glory.  He  does  such 
heroic  deeds  at  Corioli  that  the  two  other  generals  and 
all  the  army  enthusiastically  greet  him  with  the  title  of 
Coriolanus. 

II.  A  triumph  is  accorded  Coriolanus  on  his  return  to 
Rome  ;  and  the  senate  elects  him  consul.  It  is  necessary, 
however,  that  he  should  also  have  the  "  voice  of  the  peo- 
ple "  through  open  solicitation.  To  the  proud,  reserved 
man  the  task  is  a  hard  one,  and  his  overtures  to  the  citi- 
zens are  made  so  aw:kwardly,  that  although  he  is  pri- 
vately given  their  voice,  they  are  discontented,  and  it 
needs  only  the  influence  of  Sicinius  and  Brutus  to  cause 
them  to  repent  their  decision. 

III.  W'hen  it  comes  to  the  open  choice  of  Coriolanus 
for   consul   the   fickle   people   disavow   him.     His   ire   is 


Comments  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

aroused,  causing  him  to  make  vehement  statements 
against  the  popular  rights.  The  utterances  are  gladly 
seized  upon  and  made  use  of  by  the  two  tribunes,  who 
condemn  him  to  exile,  by  decree  of  the  people. 

IV.  Deeply  wounded  at  the  ingratitude,  and  thirsting 
for  revenge,  Coriolanus  goes  to  Antium  where  his  Vol- 
scian  foe,  Tullus  Aufidius,  dwells.  He  makes  peace  with 
that  general,  who  is  delighted  to  acquire  the  aid  of  the 
stoutest  arm  in  Italy  just  at  a  time  when  a  new  campaign 
against  the  Romans  is  being  planned,  though  he  soon 
after  begins  to  dread  Coriolanus's  power.  The  expedi- 
tion proceeds  against  Rome,  to  the  utter  dismay  of  the 
tribunes  and  their  adherents. 

V.  The  Roman  forces  being  powerless  to  cope  with 
the  invasion,  send  peaceful  embassies  to  Coriolanus, 
now  encamped  with  Aufidius  near  the  capital  city. 
Though  Coriolanus's  stanchest  friends  are  sent  to  him, 
he  remains  obdurate  until  his  well-beloved  mother  and 
his  wife  come  to  make  powerful  entreaty.  He  cannot 
withstand  their  prayers,  and  raises  the  siege  without 
striking  a  blow.  The  Volscian  army  returns  to  Antium. 
Coriolanus  attempts  to  justify  his  conduct  to  the  lords 
of  the  city,  and  doubtless  would  have  succeeded  on  ac- 
count of  his  numerous  conquests,  had  not  Aufidius  used 
his  final  action  before  Rome  for  a  text  to  charge  him 
with  treachery.  In  the  ensuing  dispute  some  conspira- 
tors hired  by  Aufidius  assassinate  Coriolanus. 

McSpadden  :  Shakespearian  Synopses. 

II. 

Coriolanus— His  Strength  and  His  Weakness. 

A  haughty  and  passionate  feeling,  a  superb  egotism, 
are  with  Coriolanus  the  sources  of  weakness  and  of 
strength.  The  tragic  study  of  the  play  is  not  that  of 
patricians  with  plebeians  but  of  Coriolanus  with  his  own 

6 


CORIOLANUS  Comments 

self.  It  is  not  the  Roman  people  who  bring  about  his 
destruction;  it  is  the  patrician  haughtiness  and  passion- 
ate self-will  of  Coriolanus  himself.  Were  the  contest  of 
political  parties  the  chief  interest  of  Shakspere's  drama, 
the  figures  of  the  tribunes  must  have  been  drawn  upon  a 
larger  scale.  They  would  have  been  endowed  with 
something  more  than  "  foxship."  As  representatives  of  a 
great  principle,  or  of  a  power  constantly  tending  in  one 
direction,  they  might  have  appeared  worthy  rivals  of  the 
leaders  of  the  patrician  party;  and  the  fall  of  Coriolanus 
would  be  signalized  by  some  conquest  and  advance  of 
the  tide  of  popular  power.  Shakspere's  drama  is  the 
drama  of  individuaHty,  including  under  this  name  all 
those  bonds  of  duty  and  of  affection  which  attach  man 
to  his  fellow  man,  but  not  impersonal  principles  and 
ideas.  The  passion  of  patriotism,  high-toned  and  enthu- 
siastic, stands  with  Shakspere  instead  of  general  polit- 
ical principles  and  ideas;  and  the  life  of  the  individual  is 
widened  and  elevated  by  the  national  life,  to  which  the  in- 
dividual surrenders  himself  with  gladness  and  with  pride. 
The  pride  of  Coriolanus  is,  however,  not  that  which 
comes  from  self-surrender  to  and  union  with  some  power 
or  person  or  principle  higher  than  one's  self.  It  is  two- 
fold— a  passionate  self-esteem  which  is  essentially  egois- 
tic, and,  secondly,  a  passionate  prejudice  of  class.  His 
nature  is  the  reverse  of  cold  and  selfish;  his  sympathies 
are  deep,  warm,  and  generous;  but  a  line,  hard  and  fast, 
has  been  drawn  for  him  by  the  aristocratic  tradition,  and 
it  is  only  within  that  line  that  he  permits  his  sympathies 
to  play.  To  the  surprise  of  the  tribunes,  he  can  accept, 
well  pleased,  a  subordinate  command  under  Cominius. 
He  yields  with  kindly  condescension  to  accept  the  devo- 
tion and  fidelity  of  Menenius,  and  cherishes  towards  the 
old  man  a  filial  regard — the  feeling  of  a  son  who  has  the 
consciousness  that  he  is  greater  than  his  father.  He 
must  dismiss  Menenius  disappointed  ^rom  the  Volscian 
camp;  but  he  contrives  an  innocent  fraud  by  means  of 
which  the  old  senator  will  fancv  that  he  has  effected 


Comments  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

more  for  the  peace  of  Rome  than  another  could.  For 
Virgiha,  the  gentle  woman  in  whom  his  heart  finds  rest, 
Coriolanus  has  a  manly  tenderness  and  constant  fresh- 
ness of  adhesion: — 

"  O,  a  kiss 
Long  as  my  exile,  sweet  as  my  revenge ! 
Now,  by  the  jealous  queen  of  heaven,  that  kiss 
I  carried  from  thee,  dear ;  and  my  true  lip 
Hath  virgin'd  it  e'er  since !  " 

The  weakness,  the  inconstancy,  and  the  inca- 
pacity of  apprehending  facts  which  are  the  vices  of  the 
people,  reflect  and  repeat  themselves  in  the  great  patrician  ; 
his  aristocratic  vices  counterbalance  their  plebeian.  He  is 
rigid  and  obstinate;  but  under  the  influence  of  an  angry 
egoism  he  can  renounce  his  principles,  his  party,  and  his 
native  city.  He  will  not  bear  away  to  his  private  use 
the  paltry  booty  of  the  Volsces ;  but  to  obtain  the  con- 
sulship he  is  urged  by  his  proud  mother  and  his  patrician 
friends  to  stand  bareheaded  before  the  mob,  to  expose  his 
wounds,  to  sue  for  their  votes,  to  give  his  heart  the  lie, 
to  bend  the  knee  like  a  beggar  asking  an  alms.  The 
judgement  and  blood  of  Coriolanus  are  ill  commingled; 
he  desires  the  end,  but  can  only  half  submit  to  the  means 
which  are  necessary  to  attain  that  end;  he  has  not  suffi- 
cient self-control  to  enable  him  to  dispose  of  those 
chances  of  which  he  is  lord.  And  so  he  mars  his  fortune. 
The  pride  of  Coriolanus,  as  Mr.  Hudson  has  observed, 
is  "  rendered  altogether  inflammable  and  uncontrollable 
by  passion  ;  insomuch  that  if  a  spark  of  provocation  is 
struck  into  the  latter,  the  former  instantly  flames  up  be- 
yond measure,  and  sweeps  away  all  the  regards  of  pru- 
dence, of  decorum,  and  even  of  common  sense."  Now, 
such  passion  as  this  Shakspere  knew  to  be  weakness,  and 
not  strength ;  and  by  this  uncontrollable  violence  of  tem- 
per Coriolanus  draws  down  upon  himself  his  banishment 
from  Rome  and  his  subsequent  fate. 

DowDEN :  Shakspere. 


CORIOLANUS  Comments 

Coriolanus  himself  stands  out,  in  Shakespeare,  yet 
more  than  m  E^lutarch,  as  a  giant  among  pigmies.  He 
has  the  surpassing  excellences  of  the  true  aristocrat, 
and  seems  to  embody  at  once  the  aristocratic  ideals  of 
heroic  Greece  and  of  feudal  chivalry  He  scorns  money 
and  pain;  he  has.  a  natural  eloquence  always  at  com- 
mand, and  everything  he  says  is  impressed  with  an  in- 
definable greatness.  Less  "  churlish  and  solitary  "  than 
in  Plutarch,  for  Shakespeare  gives  him  the  adoring 
friendship  of  Alenenius  and  Cominius,  he  is  at  bottom 
more  "  uncivil,"  less  fit  for  citizenship,  more  impractica- 
ble in  his  passionate  self-will.  This  aspect  of  his  char- 
acter Shakespeare  lias  emphasised  with  a  series  of  admi- 
rably imagined  strokes.  It  is  only  in  the  drama  that  Cori- 
olanus revolts  against  the  traditional  ceremony  of  display- 
ing his  wounds,  and  declaims,  with  the  naive  unreason  of 
a  headstrong  nature,  against  the  authority  of  "  custom,"  on 
which  his  own  patrician  privilege  ultimately  rested.  His 
vengeance  is  far  more  sweeping  and  uncompromising.  He 
comes  to  burn  Rome,  not  to  get  reasonable  concessions 
for  his  allies ;  far  from  "  keeping  the  Noble  men's  lands 
and  goods  safe  from  harm  and  burning,"  he  sternly  dis- 
misses the  appeal  of  his  noble  friends  for  discrimination ; 
he  cannot  stay  to  pick  the  few  grains  of  wheat  in  a  pile 

Of  noisome  musty  chaff. 

Political  partisanship  is  effaced  in  the  fury  of  personal 
vengeance.  Here  and  there  the  egoism  of  the  aristo- 
cratic temper  triumphs  in  a  trait  of  sarcastic  humour, 
as  in  the  case  of  the  poor  man  in  Corioli  who  had  be- 
friended him,  and  whose  life  he  wished  to  save,  but  whose 
name  was  "  By  Jupiter!    forgot." 

Coriolanus,  says  Mr.  Barrett  Wendell,  owes  his  fate 
to  "  a  passionate  excess  of  inherently  noble  traits,  whose 
very  nobility  unfits  them  for  survival  in  the  ignoble 
world  about  them."  He  represents  "  aristocracy  as  nobly 
worthy  of  dominance  as  in  Henry  V.,  and  yet  as  inex- 
orably doomed  as  in  .Vntony."     But  the  man  who  pic- 


Comments  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

tured  Henry  before  Agincourt  among  the  common  sol- 
diers hardly  thought  that  the  insolent  hauteur  of  Corio- 
lanus  was  sufficiently  explained  and  excused  by  his  hav- 
ing to  lead  a  "  musty  superfluity  "  of  ''  dissentious  rogues." 
The  tribunes  themselves  are  permitted  to  utter  a  palpa- 
ble home-truth,  when  they  tell  him : — . 

You  speak  o'  the  people, 
As  if  you  were  a  god  to  punish,  not 
A  man  of  their  infirmity. 

Even  Coriolanus's  valour  is  described  with  a  fire 
chiefly  of  the  imagination.  The  magnificent  battle-poetry 
of  this  play  betrays  no  martial  enthusiasm,  like  that 
which  glows  so  transparently  in  the  choruses  of  Henry  V. 
The  career  of  Coriolanus,  with  his  fabulous,  yet,  in  the 
sequel,  futile  valour,  is  a  satire  upon  militarism  ;  and  the 
sublime  images  in  which  his  feats  are  told — he  "  struck 
Corioli  like  a  planet  " — "  as  weeds  before  a  vessel  under 
sail,  so  men  obey'd  and  fell  below  his  stem  " — only  make 
the  undertone  of  irony  more  explicit.  Shakespeare  ha<:l 
dared  to  laugh  at  Achilles  and  Ajax;  but  the  Homeric 
grandeur  of  Coriolanus  (communicated  through  an  ut- 
terly un-Homeric  style)  conceals  a  not  less  bitter  sense 
of  the  futilities  of  heroism. 

Herford  :  The  Eversley  Shakespeare. 

III. 
Volumnia. 

He  [Coriolanus]  is  prouder  of  his  mother  than  of 
himself;  cares  more  to  please  her  than  himself;  owns 
no  titles  to  honour  in  himself  but  what  he  can  refer  to 
that  honoured  source,  nor  covets  any  returns  but  such 
as  will  magnify  the  part  she  has  in  him;  in  brief,  he  looks 
up  to  her  as  a  superior  being  whose  benediction  is  the 
best  grace  of  his  life  ;  and  his  profound  awe  of  her  person 
and  of  her  rights  in  him  is  itself  a  principle  of  such  in- 

10 


CORIOLANUS  Comments 

trinsic  greatness  and  energy  as  would  burst  asunder  the 
cold,  dry  ligatures  of  an  ignoble  and  ungenerous  nature. 
When,  upon  her  coming  out  to  intercede  with  him,  he 
says,  "  My  mother  bows ;  as  if  Olympus  to  a  molehill 
should  in  supplication  nod,"  we  have  the  sublimity  of 
filial  reverence,  imaged  in  a  form  not  more  magnificent 
in  itself  than  characteristic  of  the  speaker. 

Volumnia  has  the  same  essential  greatness  of  char- 
acter, and  the  same  high-strung  pride ;  the  whole  being 
cast,  however,  in  a  perfectly  feminine  mould,  and  ren- 
dered mellow  and  considerate  by  a  larger  experience 
and  a  more  disinterested  spirit.  ]\Iore  firm  and  steady, 
too,  because  less  passionate,  her  pride  is  never  inflamed 
into  any  breach  of  propriety  and  decorum;  on  the  con- 
trary, she  seems  to  become  more  dignified  and  self-pos- 
sessed when  her  pride  is  chafed  and  galled.  And  her 
energy  of  will  and  thought,  if  not  greater  than  her  son's, 
yet  in  the  end  outwrestles  his,  because  it  proceeds  on 
grounds  less  selfish  and  personal.  It  was  a  very  pro- 
found insight  of  woman's  nature  that  led  the  Poet  to  rep- 
resent her  as  exhorting  her  son  to  temporise  with  the 
people,  and  to  use  arts  for  conciliating  them  which  had 
no  allowance  in  his  bosom's  truth;  for  even  so  woman, 
as  having  less  of  wilfulness  and  more  of  sensibility  in  the 
reason,  naturally  judges  the  quality  of  an  action  more  by 
the  consequences  which  she  hopes  or  fears  therefrom. 
What  a  story  does  the  life  of  this  mother  and  this  son, 
Vvith  their  reciprocal  action  and  influence,  as  set  forth  in 
the  play,  tell  us  of  the  old  Roman  matronage,  and  of  that 
profound  religion  toward  womanhood  which  formed  so 
large  and  powerful  an  element  in  the  social  constitution 
of  republican  Rome!  And  what  a  comment  does  this 
deep  awe  of  motherhood,  taken  along  with  the  history 
of  that  wonderful  nation,  read  upon  the  precept,  "  Hon- 
our thy  father  and  thy  mother,  that  thy  davs  may  be  long 
in  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee!"  for 
reverence  of  children  to  their  fathers  is  the  principle  that 
binds  together  successive  generations  in  one  continuous 

II 


Comments  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

life.  So  that  the  loosening  or  impairing  of  this  tie  is 
the  beginning  of  national  dissolution.  For,  in  forgetting 
the  past,  men  do  but  teach  the  future  to  forget  them- 
selves ;  and  where  we  find  a  present  that  honours  not  a 
past,  there  we  may  be  sure  the  very  genius  of  nationality 
is  gone. 

Hudson  :  The  Works  of  Shakespeare. 

IV. 

Virgilia. 

This  name  [of  Coriolanus — '*  My  gracious  silence  " — ] 
for  his  wife,  who,  while  the  others  are  receiving  him  with 
loud  rejoicings,  meets  and  welcomes  him  with  speechless 
happiness  looking  out  from  her  swimming  eyes,  is  con- 
ceived in  the  very  fulness  of  poetical  and  Shakespearian 
perfection.  It  comprises  the  gracefulness  of  beauty 
which  distinguishes  her,  and  the  gracious  effect  which  her 
muteness  of  love- joy  has  upon  him  who  shrinks  from 
noisy  applause  and  even  from  merely  expressed  appro- 
bation ;  and  it  wonderfully  concentrates  into  one  felic- 
itous word  the  silent  softness  that  characterizes  Mrgilia 
throughout.  She  is  precisely  the  woman — formed  by 
nature  gentle  in  manner,  and  rendered  by  circumstances 
sparing  in  speech — to  inspire  the  fondest  affection  in 
such  a  man  as  Coriolanus ;  and  we  accordingly  find  him  a 
passionately  attached  husband.  The  few  words  he  ad- 
dresses to  her  in  the  course  of  the  play  are  among  the 
most  intense  utterances  of  spousal  enamouredness  that 
even  Shakespeare  has  written.  The  dramatic  portrait  of 
Virgilia  we  have  always  considered  to  be  one  of  the  very 
finest  of  the  Poet's  sketch-productions.  It  is  put  in  with 
the  most  masterly  touches  ;  it  paints  her  by  very  few 
strokes,  very  few  colours  ;  but  they  are  so  true,  so  ex- 
quisitely artistic,  that  they  present  her  to  the  life.  She 
is  supremely  gentle,  and,  like  most  w^omen  whose  gentle- 
ness is  their  chief  characteristic,  singularly  immovable, 

12 


CORIOLANUS  Comments 

not  lo  say  obstinate,  when  once  resolved;  she  is  habit- 
ually silent,  as  the  wife  of  such  a  man  as  Coriolanus  and 
daughter-in-law  of  such  a  woman  as  Volumnia  would  as- 
suredly become,  being-  naturally  of  a  gentle  disposition ; 
and  this  combination  of  gentleness  and  silence  is  w^on- 
derfully  drawn  by  Shakespeare  throughout  the  char- 
acter-portrait, and  as  wonderfully  condensed  here  into 
one  expressive  name. 

Clarke:  Casscll's  Illustrated  Shakespeare. 

V. 

Aufidius. 

The  varying  feelings  of  Aufidius  are  such  as  may  be 
often  observed  to  arise  in  the  contentions  of  able  and 
ambitious  men  for  honour  or  power,  and  are  just  such  as 
w^ould,  under  these  circumstances,  be  natural  in  a  mind 
like  that  of  Aufidius — ambitious,  proud,  and  bold,  with 
many  noble  and  generous  qualities,  yet  not  above  the 
influence  of  selfish  and  vindictive  emotions  and  desires. 
The  mortification  of  defeat  embitters  his  rivalry  to 
hatred.  When  afterwards  his  banished  rival  appeals  to 
his  nobler  nature,  that  hatred  dies  away,  and  his  g-enerous 
feeling  revives.  Bitter  jealousy  and  hatred  again  grow 
up,  as  his  glories  are  eclipsed  by  his  former  adversary; 
yet  this  dark  passion,  too,  finally  yields  to  a  generous 
sorrow  at  his  rival's  death.  I  think  that  I  have  observed 
very  similar  alternations  of  such  mixed  motives  and 
sentiments,  in  eminent  men,  in  the  collisions  of  political 
life. 

Verplanck  :   The  Illustrated  Shakespeare. 

VI. 

Menenius. 

If  there  be  any  person  in  the  play  whom  the  Poet 
shows  a  leaning  to  more  than  another,  it  is  old  Menenius, 

13 


Comments  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

a  frank,  patriotic,  liberal  soul,  who  is  genially  and  lov- 
ingly humourous  towards  the  people  even  when  his  eye 
is  upon  their  faults,  yet  free  and  upright  in  reprovnig 
them,  though  at  the  same  time  sensible  of  their  virtues; 
who  smilingly  stoops  to  play  jokes  upon  them,  that  so  he 
may  soothe  and  sweeten  their  exasperated  minds ;  exer- 
cising his  good-natured  wit  to  heal  as  fast  as  his  sharp- 
ness wounds;  and  thus  standing  at  an  equal  remove  from 
the  insulting  aristocrat  and  the  snaky  demagogue. 

Hudson  :  The  Works  of  Shakespeare. 

VII. 
Aristocracy  Against  Democracy. 

Shakespear  has  in  this  play  shown  himself  well  versed 
in  history  and  state  afifairs.  Coriolanus  is  a  storehouse  of 
political  commonplaces.  Any  one  who  studies  it  may 
save  himself  the  trouble  of  reading  Burke's  Reflections,  or 
Paine's  Rights  of  Man,  or  the  Debates  in  both  Houses  of 
Parliament  since  the  French  Revolution  or  cur  own.  The 
arguments  for  and  against  aristocracy  or  democracy,  on 
the  privileges  of  the  few  and  the  claims  of  the  many,  on 
liberty  and  slavery,  power  and  the  abuse  of  it,  peace  and 
war,  are  here  very  ably  handled,  w^ith  the  spirit  of  a  poet 
and  the  acuteness  of  a  philosopher.  Shakespear  himself 
seems  to  have  had  a  leaning  to  the  arbitrary  side  of  the 
question,  perhaps  from  some  feeling  of  contempt  for  his 
own  origin  ;  and  to  have  spared  no  occasion  of  bating  the 
rabble.  What  he  says  of  them  is  very  true :  what  he 
says  of  their  betters  is  also  very  true,  though  he  dwells 
less  upon  it. 

The  whole  dramatic  moral  of  Coriolanus  is  that  those 
who  have  little  shall  have  less,  and  that  those  who  have 
much  shall  take  all  that  others  have  left.  The  people  are 
poor;  therefore  they  ought  to  be  starved.  They  are 
slaves:    therefore  they  ought  to  be  beaten.     They  work 

14 


CORIOLANUS  Comments 

hard ;  therefore  they  ought  to  be  treated  hke  beasts  of 
burden.  They  are  ignorant ;  therefore  they  ought  not  to 
be  allowed  to  feel  that  they  want  food,  or  clothing,  or  rest 
— that  they  are  enslaved,  oppressed,  and  miserable.  This 
is  the  logic  of  the  imagination  and  the  passions ;  which 
seek  to  aggrandize  what  excites  admiration  and  to  heaj) 
contempt  on  misery,  to  raise  power  into  tyranny,  and  to 
make  tyranny  absolute. 

Hazlitt  :  Characters  of  Shakcspcars  Plays. 


A  theatrical  audience  of  those  days  was,  to  Shake- 
speare's eyes  at  any  rate,  an  uncultivated  horde,  and  it 
was  this  crowd  which  represented  to  him  "  the  people." 
He  may  have  looked  upon  them  in  his  youth  with  a  cer- 
tain amount  of  good  will  and  forbearance,  but  they  had 
become  entirely  odious  to  him  now.  It  was  undoubtedly 
the  constant  spectacle  of  the  "  nndcrstandcrsy  and  the  at- 
mosphere of  their  exhalations,  which  caused  his  scorn  to 
flame  so  fiercely  over  democratic  movements  and  their 
leaders,  and  all  that  ingratitude  and  lack  of  perception 
which,  to  him,  represented  "  the  people." 

With  his  necessarily  slight  historical  knowledge  and 
insight,  Shakespeare  would  look  upon  the  old  days  of  both 
Rome  and  England  in  precisely  the  same  light  in  which 
he  saw  his  own  times.  His  first  Roman  drama  testifies 
to  his  innately  anti-democratic  tendencies.  He  seized 
with  avidity  upon  every  instance  in  Plutarch  of  the  stu- 
pidity and  brutality  of  the  masses.  Recall,  for  example, 
the  scene  in  which  the  mob  murders  Cinna,  the  poet,  for 
no  better  reason  than  its  fury  against  Cinna,  the  conspira- 
tor {Julius  Ccrsar,  HI.  iii.). 

This  point  of  view  meets  us  again  and  again  in  Corio- 
lauus:   and  whereas,  in  his  earlier  plays,  it  was  only  oc- 
casionally and,  as  it  were,  accidentally  expressed,  it  has 
now  grown  and  strengthened  into  deliberate  utterance. 
Brandes:   IVilliaiu  Shakespeare. 


15 


Comments  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

The  humorous  scenes  which  give  the  play  variety  were 
entirely  contributed  by  Shakespeare  ;  and  the  presentation 
of  the  mob  is  highly  characteristic.  The  Poet  hated  the 
irrationality  and  violence  of  untrained  men.  Coriolanus 
never  for  a  moment  conceals  his  contempt  for  them : — 

I  heard  him  swear, 
Were  he  to  stand  for  consul,  never  would  he 

Appear  i'  the  market-place,  nor  on  him  put 
The  napless  vesture  of  humility ; 
Nor,  showing  (as  the  manner  is)  his  wounds 
To  the  people,  beg  their  stinking  breaths. 

This  is  quite  in  accord  with  Casca's  contempt  for  the 
"  rabblement  "  which  "  hooted,  and  clapped  their  chapped 
hands,  and  threw  up  their  sweaty  night-caps,  and  uttered 
such  a  deal  of  stinking  breath,"  because  Caesar  refused  the 
crown.  This  contempt  finds  its  most  satiric  expression  in 
Jack  Cade's  manifesto  : — 

"  Be  brave  then ;  for  your  captain  is  brave,  and  vows 
reformation.  There  shall  be,  in  England,  seven  half- 
penny loaves  sold  for  a  penny ;  the  three-hooped  pot  shall 
have  ten  hoops ;  and  I  will  make  it  felony  to  drink  small 
beer ;  all  the  realm  shall  be  in  common,  and  in  Cheapside 
shall  my  palfrey  go  to  grass." 

In  complete  contrast  with  this  conception  of  the  com- 
mon people  as  a  mere  rabble,  full  of  passion  and  devoid  of 
ideas,  stands  Coriolanus — a  typical  aristocrat,  with  the 
virtues  of  the  aristocrat:  courage,  indifference  to  pain, 
scorn  of  money,  independence  of  thought,  command  of 
eloquence,  and  natural  aptitude  for  leadership.  These 
great  qualities  are  neutralized  by  colossal  egotism,  mani- 
festing itself  in  a  pride  so  irrational  and  insistent  that, 
sooner  or  later,  by  the  necessity  of  its  nature,  it  must  pro- 
duce the  tragic  conflict.  Coriolanus,  in  spite  of  his  great 
faults,  has  heroic  proportions,  and  fills  the  play  with  the 
sense  of  his  superiority ;  he  lives  and  dies  like  a  true 
tragic  hero. 

AIabie  :  William  Shakespeare :  Poet,  Dramatist,  and  Man. 

i6 


CORIOLANUS  Comments 

VIII. 

Dramatic  Features. 

There  is  more  unity  in  the  tragedy  of  Coriolanus  than 
in  either  of  the  other  Roman  plays ;  yet,  grand  and  pow- 
erful as  it  is,  its  tragical  interest  is  less  than  that  of  Julius 
(^crsar  and  its  poetical  merit  less  than  that  of  Autony  and 
Cleopatra.  There  is  something  hard  about  it,  both  in 
sentiment  and  in  style.  The  delineation  of  social  and 
personal  pride  is  not  a  subject  to  evoke  much  sympathy 
or  emotion,  and  although  it  may  in  its  course  reach  sub- 
lime heights,  its  sublimity  is  wholly  independent  of  moral 
greatness.  Of  all  Shakespeare's  greater  works,  this  is 
the  most  difficult  to  construe :  the  unintelligibility  of  sev- 
eral passages  is  doubtless  due  to  some  corruption  of  the 
text,  but  besides  this,  the  general  style  is  exceedingly  ob- 
scure, and  overloaded  with  metaphorical  and  elliptical  ex- 
pressions. Even  the  great  scene  between  Coriolanus  and 
his  mother  is  not  of  uniform  excellence. 

Staffer:  Shakespeare  and  Classical  Aiitiquity. 


The  Tragedy  of  Coriolanus  is  one  of  the  most  amusing 
of  our  author's  performances.  The  old  man's  merriment 
in  Menenius  ;  the  lofty  lady's  dignity  in  Volumnia ;  the 
bridal  modesty  in  Vlrgilia :  the  patrician  and  military 
haughtiness  in  Coriolanus ;  the  plebeian  malignity  and 
tribunitian  insolence  in  Brutus  and  Sicinius,  make  a  very 
pleasing  and  interesting  variety ;  and  the  various  revolu- 
tions of  the  hero's  fortune,  fill  the  mind  with  anxious  cu- 
riosity. There  is  perhaps  too  much  bustle  in  the  first  act, 
and  too  little  in  the  last. 
Johnson  :  General  Observations  on  Shakspeare's  Plays. 


17 


DRAMATIS   PERSONAE. 

Caius  Marcius,  afterwards  Caius  Marcius  Coriolanus. 

Titus  Lartius,  }  .  .  • 

^  y  generals  against  the  Volsaans. 

COMINIUS,  ) 

Menenius  Agrippa,  friend  to  Coriolanus. 

SiciNius  Velutus,  )      .,  ,  ,,  , 

^  y  tribunes  of  the  people. 

Junius  Brutus,       j 

Young  Marcius,  son  of  Coriolanus. 

A  Roman  Herald. 

TuLLus  AuFiDius,  general  of  the  Volscians. 

Lieutenant  to  Aufidius. 

Conspirators  with  Aufidius. 

A  Citizen  of  Antium. 

Two  Volscian  Guards. 

VoLUMNiA.  mother  to  Coriolanus. 
Virgilia,  wife  to  Coriolanus. 
\^ALERiA,  friend  to  Virgilia. 
Gentlewoman  attending  on  Virgilia. 

Roman  and  Volscian  Senators,  Patricians,  ^'Ediles,  Lictors, 
Soldiers,  Citizens,  Messengers.  Servants  to  Aufidius,  and 
other  Attendants. 

Scene:    Rome  and  the  neighbourhood ;  Corioli  and  the  neigh- 
bourhood: Antium. 


i8 


The  Tragedy  of  Coriolanus, 


ACT  FIRST. 
Scene  I. 

Rome.     A  street. 

Enter  a  company  of  mutinous  Citizens,  with  staves, 
clubs,  and  other  zveapons. 

First  Cit.  Before  we  proceed  any  further,  hear  me 
speak. 

All.  Speak,  speak. 

First  Cit.  You  are  all  resclved  rather  to  die  than  to 
famish  ? 

All.  Resolved,  resolved. 

First  Cit.  First,  you  know  Caius  Marcius  is  chief 
enemy  to  the  people. 

All.  We  know  't,  we  know  't. 

First  Cit.  Let  us  kill  him,  and  we  '11  have  corn  at  our     lo 
own  price.    Is  *t  a  verdict  ? 

All.  No  more  talking  on  't ;  let  it  be  done :  away, 
away ! 

Sec.  Cit.  One  word,  good  citizens. 

First  Cit.  We  are  accounted  poor  citizens  ;  the  patri- 
cians, good.  What  authority  surfeits  on  would 
relieve  us :  if  they  would  yield  us  but  the  super- 
fluity while  it  were  wholesome,  we  might  guess 
they  relieved  us  humanely  ;  but  they  think  we 
are'  too  dear :    the  leanness  that  afflicts  us,  the     20 

19 


Act  I.  Sc.  i.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

object  of  our  misery,  Is  as  an  inventory  to  par- 
ticularize their  abundance ;  our  sufferance  is  a 
gain  to  them.  Let  us  revenge  this  Vv'ith  our 
pikes,  ere  we  become  rakes :  for  the  gods  know 
I  speak  this  in  hunger  for  bread,  not  in  thirst  for 
revenge. 

Sec.  Cit.  Would  you  proceed  especially  against  Caius 
Marcius  ? 

All.  Against  him  first :  he  's  a  very  dog  to  the  com- 
monalty. 3c 

Sec.  Cit.  Consider  you  what  services  he  has  done  for 
his  country? 

First  Cit.  A'ery  well ;  and  could  be  content  to  give 
him  good  report  for  't,  but  that  he  pays  himself 
with  being  proud. 

Sec.  Cit.  Nay,  but  speak  not  maliciously. 

First  Cit.  I  say  unto  you,  what  he  hath  done  famously, 
he  did  it  to  that  end  :  though  soft-consciencedmen 
can  be  content  to  say  it  was  for  his  country, 
he  did  it  to  please  his  mother  and  to  be  partly  4c 
proud ;  which  he  is,  even  to  the  altitude  of  his 
virtue. 

Sec.  Cit.  What  he  cannot  help  in  his  nature,  you 
account  a  vice  in  him.  You  must  in  no  way 
say  he  is  covetous. 

First  Cit.  If  I  must  not,  I  need  not  be  barren  of 
accusations  ;  he  hath  faults,  with  surplus,  to  tire 
in  repetition.  [Shouts  zi-itJiin.]  Wliat  shouts  are 
these  ?  The  other  side  o'  the  city  is  risen :  why 
stay  we  prating  here  ?  to  the  Capitol !  5^ 

All.  Come,  come. 

First  Cit.  Soft !  who  comes  here  ? 

20 


CORIOLANUS  Act  I.  Sc.  i. 

Enter  Mencnius  Agrippa. 

Sec.  Cit.  Worthy  Menenius  Agrippa ;   one  that  hath 
always  loved  the  people. 

First  Cit.  He  's  one  honest  enough  :  would  all  the  rest 
were  so ! 

Men.  What  w'ork  's,  my  countrymen,  in  hand  ?   where  go 
you. 
With  bats  and  clubs  ?  the  matter  ?  speak,  I  pray  you. 

First  Cit.  Our  business  is  not  unknown  to  the  senate  ; 

they  have  had  inkling,  this  fortnight,  what  we     60 
intend  to  do,w^hich  now  we  '11  show  'em,  in  deeds. 
They  say  poor  suitors  have  strong  breaths  :   they 
shall  know  we  have  strong  arms  too. 

Moi.  \N\\y,  masters,  my  good  friends,  mine  honest  neigh- 
bours, 
Will  you  undo  yourselves  ? 

First  Cit.  We  cannot,  sir,  we  are  undone  already. 

Men.  I  tell  you,  friends,  most  charitable  care 

Have  the  patricians  of  you.     For  your  wants, 
Your  suffering  in  this  dearth,  you  may  as  well 
Strike  at  the  heaven  with  your  staves  as  lift  them  70 
Against  the  Roman  state ;   whose  course  will  on 
The  way  it  takes,  cracking  ten  thousand  curbs 
Of  more  strong  link  asunder  than  can  ever 
Appear  in  your  impediment.     For  the  dearth. 
The  gods,  not  the  patricians,  make  it,  and 
Your  knees  to  them,  not  arms,  must  help.     Alack, 
You  are  transported  by  calamity 
Thither  where  more  attends  you,  and  you  slander 
The  helms  o'  the  state,  who  care  for  you  like  fathers, 
When  you  curse  them  as  enemies.  80 

21 


Act  I.  Sc.  i.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

First  Cit.  Care  for  us  !  True,  indeed  !  They  ne'er 
cared  for  us  yet :  suffer  us  to  famish,  and  their 
store-houses  crammed  with  grain  ;  make  edicts 
for  usury,  to  support  usurers ;  repeal  daily  any 
wholesome  act  established  against  the  rich,  and 
provide  more  piercing  statutes  daily,  to  chain  up 
and  restrain  the  poor.  Tf  the  wars  eat  us  not 
up,  they  will ;  and  there  's  all  the  love  they  bear 
us. 

Men.  Either  you  must  90 

Confess  yourselves  wondrous  malicious. 
Or  be  accused  of  folly.    I  shall  tell  you 
A  pretty  tale :  it  may  be  you  have  heard  it ; 
But,  since  it  serves  my  purpose,  I  will  venture 
To  stale  't  a  little  more. 

First  Cit.  Well,  I  '11  hear  it,  sir :  yet  you  must  not 
think  to  fob  off  our  disgrace  with  a  tale :  but, 
an  't  please  you,  deliver. 

Men.  There  was  a  time  when  all  the  body's  members 

Rebell'd  against  the  belly  ;   thus  accused  it :  100 

That  only  like  a  gulf  it  did  remain 

r  the  midst  o'  the  body,  idle  and  unactive, 

Still  cupboarding  the  viand,  never  bearing 

Like  labour  with  the  rest ;  where  the  other  instruments 

Did  see  and  hear,  devise,  instruct,  walk,  feel. 

And,  mutually  participate,  did  minister 

Unto  the  appetite  and  affection  common 

Of  the  whole  body.     The  belly  answer'd — 

First  Cit.  Well,  sir,  what  answer  made  the  belly  ? 

Men.  Sir,  I  shall  tell  you.    With  a  kind  of  smile,  no 

Which  ne'er  came  from  the  lungs,  but  even  thus — 
For,  look  you,  I  may  make  the  belly  smile 
22 


CORIOLANUS  Act  I.  Sc.  i. 

As  well  as  speak — it  tauntingly  replied 
To  the  discontented  members,  the  mutinous  parts 
That  envied  his  receipt ;  even  so  most  fitly 
As  you  malign  our  senators  for  that 
They  are  not  such  as  you. 
First  C it.  Your  belly's  answer?     What! 

The  kingly-crowned  head,  the  vigilant  eye. 
The  counsellor  heart,  the  arm  our  soldier. 
Our  steed  the  leg,  the  tongue  our  trumpeter,        120 
With  other  muniments  and  petty  helps 
In  this  our  fabric,  if  that  they — 
]\^^^i  What  then? 

'Fore  me  this  fellow  speaks!   what  then?   what  then? 
First  Cit.   Should  by  the  cormorant  belly  be  restrain'd, 

\\lio  is  the  sink  o'  the  body — 
^f^-,1  Well,  what  then? 

First  Cit.  The  former  agents,  if  they  did  complain, 

What  could  the  belly  answer? 
^|^^Jl^  I  will  tell  you; 

If  vou  '11  bestow  a  small— of  what  you  Irive  little- 
Patience  awhile,  you  'st  hear  the  belly's  answer. 
First  Cit.  You  're  long  about  it. 

-{[en.  Xote  me  this,  good  friend; 

Your  most  grave  belly  was  deliberate,  131 

Not  rash  like  his  accusers,  and  thus  answer'd: 
'  True  is  it,  my  incorporate  friends,'  quoth  he, 
'  That  I  receive  the  general  food  at  first, 
Which  you  do  five  upon;  and  fit  it  is, 
,  Because  I  am  the  store-house  and  the  shop 
Of  the  whole  body :  but,  if  you  do  remember, 
I  send  it  through  the  rivers  of  your  blood. 
Even  to  the  court,  the  heart,  to  the  seat  o'  the  brain; 

23 


Act  I.  Sc.  i.  THE  TRAGEDY  GF 

And,  through  the  cranks  and  offices  of  man,  140 

The  strongest  nerves  and  small  inferior  veins 
From  me  receive  that  natural  competency 
Whereby  they  live :  and  though  that  all  at  once, 
You,  my  good  friends,' — this  says  the  belly,  mark 
me, — 

First  Cit.  Ay,  sir;  well,  well. 

Men.  '  Though  all  at  once  cannot 

See  what  I  do  deliver  out  to  each, 
Yet  I  can  make  my  audit  up.  that  all 
From  me  do  back  receive  the  flour  of  all, 
And  leave  me  but  the  bran.'     What  say  you  to  't? 

Firsl  Cit.  It  was  an  answer:   how  apply  you  this?        150 

Men.  The  senators  of  Rome  are  this  good  belly, 
And  you  the  mutinous  members :  for  examine 
Their  counsels  and  their  cares,  digest  things  rightly 
I'ouching  the  weal  o'  the  common,  you  shall  find 
No  public  benefit  which  you  receive 
But  it  proceeds  or  comes  from  them  to  you 
And  no  way  from  yourselves.     What  do  you  think. 
You,  the  great  toe  of  this  assembly  ? 

First  Cit.  I  the  great  toe!  why  the  great  toe? 

Men.  For  that,  being  one  o'  the  lowest,  basest,  poorest. 
Of  this  most  wise  rebellion,  thou  go'st  foremost:  161 
Thou  rascal,  that  art  worst  in  blood  to  run, 
Lead'st  first  to  win  some  vantage. 
But  make  you  ready  your  stiff  bats  and  clubs : 
Rome  and  her  rats  are  at  the  point  of  battle; 
The  one  side  must  have  bale. 

Enter  Cains  Mareius. 

Hail,  noble  Mareius! 
Mar.  Thanks.    What  's  the  matter,  you  dissentious  rogues, 

24 


CORIOLANUS  Act  I.  Sc.  i. 

That,  rubbing  the  poor  itch  of  your  opinion, 
Make  yourselves  scabs? 

First  Cit.  We  have  ever  your  good  word. 

Mar.  He  that  will  give  good  words  to  thee  will  flatter  170 
Beneath  abhorring.    What  would  you  have,  you  curs, 
That  like  nor  peace  nor  war?  the,  one  affrights  you, 
The  other  makes  you  proud.     He  that  trusts  to  you, 
Where  he  should  find  you  lions,  finds  you  hares, 
Where  foxes,  geese:  you  are  no  surer,  no. 
Than  is  the  coal  of  fire  upon  the  ice, 
Or  hailstone  in  the  sun.    Your  virtue  is 
To  make  him  worthy  whose  offence  subdues  him 
And  curse  that  justice  did  it.     Who  deserves  great- 

ness 
Deserves  your  hate  ;  and  your  affections  are  180 

A  sick  man's  appetite,  who  desires  most  that 
Which  would  increase  his  evil.     He  that  depends 
Upon  your  favours  sw^ims  with  fins  of  lead  • 
And    hews    down    oaks    with    rushes.     Hang    ye! 

Trust  ye? 
With  every  minute  you  do  change  a  mind, 
And  call  him  noble  that  was  now  your  hate. 
Him  vile  that  was  your  garland.    What 's  the  matter. 
That  in  these  several  places  of  the  city 
You  cry  against  the  noble  senate,  who, 
Under  the  gods,  keep  you  in  awe,  vvhich  else  190 

Would  feed  on  one  another?    What 's  their  seeking? 
Men.  For  corn  at  their  own  rates;   whereof,  they  say, 

The  city  is  well  stored. 
]\[ar.  Hang 'em!     They  say! 

They  '11  sit  by  the  fire,  and  presume  to  know 
What  's  done  i'  the  Capitol;   who  's  like  to  rise, 

25 


Act  I.  Sc.  i.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Who  thrives  and  who  dechnes  ;  side  factions  and  give 

out 
Conjectural  marriages;  making  parties  strong, 
And  feebHng  such  as  stand  not  in  their  liking 
Below  their  cobbled  shoes.     They  say  there  's  grain 

enough! 
Would  the  nobility  lay  aside  their  ruth,  200 

And  let  me  use  my  sword,  I  'Id  make  a  quarry 
With  thousands  of  these  quarter'd  slaves,  as  high 
As  I  could  pick  my  lance. 

Men.  Nay,  these  are  almost  thoroughly  persuaded; 
For  though  abundantly  they  lack  discretion. 
Yet  are  they  passing  cowardly.     But,  I  beseech  you, 
What  says  the  other  troop? 

Mar.  They  are  dissolved:   hang  'em! 

They  said  they  were  an-hungry;  sigh'd  forth  pro- 
verbs, 
That»hunger  broke  stone  walls,  that  dogs  must  eat, 
That  meat  was  made  for  mouths,  that  the  gods  sent  not 
Corn  for  the  rich  men  only:  with  these  shreds  211 
They    vented    their    complainings;     which    being 

answer'd. 
And  a  petition  granted  them,  a  strange  one — 
To  break  the  heart  of  generosity 
And  make  bold  powxr  look  pale — they  threw  their  caps 
As  they  would  hang  them  on  the  horns  o'  the  moon. 
Shouting  their  emulation. 

Men.  What  is  granted  them  ? 

Mar.  Five  tribunes  to  defend  their  vulgar  wisdoms. 
Of  their  own  choice:   one  's  Junius  Brutus, 
Sicinius  Velutus,  and  I  know  not — 'Sdeath!  220 

The  rabble  should  have  first  unroof'd  the  city, 
26 


CORIOLANUS  Act  I.  Sc.  i. 

Ere  so  prevail'd  with  me:   it  will  in  time 

Win  upon  power  and  throw  forth  greater  themes 

For  insurrection's  arguing. 

Men.  This  is  strange. 

Mar.   Go  get  you  home,  you  fragments ! 

Enter  a  Mcsscn^^er,  hastily. 

Mess.  Where's  Caius  ^slarcius? 

Mar.  Here  :   what  's  the  matter  ? 

Mess.  The  news  is,  sir,  the  Volsces  are  in  arms. 
Mar.  I  am  glad  on  't .  then  we  shall  ha'  means  to  vent 
Our  musty  superfluity.     See,  our  best  elders. 

Enter  Coniinius,  Titus  Lartius,  and  other  Senators;  Ju- 
nius Brutus  and  Sicinius  Velutus. 

First  Sen.  Marcius,  'tis  true  that  you  have  lately  told  us ; 

The  Volsces  are  in  arms. 
Mar.  They  have  a-  leader,         231 

TuUus  Aufidius,  that  will  put  you  to  't. 

I  sin  in  envying  his  nobility ; 

And  were  I  any  thing  but  what  I  am, 

I  would  wish  me  only  he. 
Com.  You  have  fought  together  ? 

Mar.  W>re  half  to  half  the  world  by  the  ears,  and  he 

Upon  my  party,  I  'Id  revolt,  to  make 

Only  my  wars  with  him :   he  is  a  lion 

That  I  am  proud  to  hunt. 
First  Sen.  .  Then,  worthy  Alarcius, 

Attend  upon  Cominius  to  these  wars.  240 

Com.  It  is  your  former  promise. 
Mar.  Sir,  it  is  ; 

And  I  am  constant.    Titus  Lartius,  thou 
27 


Act  I.  Sc.  i.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Shalt  see  me  once  more  strike  at  Tulliis'  face. 

What,  art  thou  stiff?   stand'st  out? 
Tit.  No,  Caius  Marcius  ; 

I  '11  lean  upon  one  crutch,  and  fight  with  t'  other, 

Ere  stay  behind  this  business. 
Men.  O,  true-bred ! 

First  Sen.  Your  company  to  the  Capitol ;   where,  I  know, 

Our  greatest  friends  attend  us. 
Tit.  {To  Com.^^  Lead  you  on. 

[To  Mar.]  Follow  Cominius ;  we  must  follow  you; 

Right  worthy  you  priority. 
Com.  Noble  Marcius !  250 

First  Sen.  [To  the  Citiseiis]  Hence  to  your  homes  ;  begone  ! 
Mar.  Nay,  let  them  follow : 

The  Volsces  have  much  corn  ;   take  these  rats  thither 

To  gnaw  their  garners.     Worshipful  mutiners, 

Your  valour  puts  well  forth :   pray,  follow. 

[Citi:2eus  steal  aicay.     Exeunt  all 
hut  Sicinius  and  Brutus. 
Sic.  Was  ever  man  so  proud  as  is  this  Marcius  ? 
Bru.  He  has  no  equal. 

Sic.  When  we  were  chosen  tribunes  for  the  people, — 
Bru.  Mark'd  you  his  lip  and  eyes  ? 
Sic.  Nay,  but  his  taunts. 

Bru.  Being  moved,  he  will  not  spare  to  gird  the  gods. 
Sic.  Bemock  the  modest  moon.  260 

Bru.  The  present  wars  devour  him !    he  is  grown 

Too  proud  to  be  so  valiant. 
Sic.  Such  a  nature, 

Tickled  with  good  success,  disdains  the  shadow 

Which  he  treads  on  at  noon :   but  I  do  wonder 

His  insolence  can  brook  to  be  commanded 

28 


eORIOLANUS  Act  I.  Sc.  ii. 

Under  Cominius. 

Bru.  Fame,  at  the  which  he  aims, 

In  whom  already  he  's  weU  graced,  cannot 
Better  be  held,  nor  more  attain'd,  than  by 
A  place  below  the  first:   for  what  miscarries 
Shall  be  the  general's  fault,  though  he  perform     270 
To  the  utmost  of  a  man;  and  giddy  censure 
Will  then  cry  out  of  Marcius  '  O,  if  he 
Had  borne  the  business!  ' 

Sic.  Besides,  if  things  go  well, 

Opinion,  that  so  sticks  on  Marcius,  shall 
Of  his  demerits  rob  Cominius. 

Bru.  Come: 

Half  all  Cominius'  honours  are  to  ^Marcius, 
Though  Marcius  earn'd  them  not;   and  all  his  faults 
To  Marcius  shall  be  honours,  though  indeed 
In  aught  he  merit  not. 

Sic.  Let 's  hence,  and  hear 

How  the  dispatch  is  made;  and  in  what  fashion,  280 
More  than  his  singularity,  he  goes 
Upon  this  present  action. 

Bru.  Let 's  along.  [Exeunt. 

Scene  II. 

Corioli.     The  Senate-house. 
Enter  Tullus  Aufidius,  ivith  Senators  of  Corioli. 

First  Sen.  So,  your  opinion  is,  Aufidius, 

That  they  of  Rome  are  enter'd  in  our  counsels, 
And  know  how  we  proceed. 

Auf.  Is  it  not  yours? 

What  ever  have  been  thought  on  in  this  state, 

29 


Act  I.  Sc.  ii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

That  could  be  brought  to  bodily  act  ere  Rome 
Had  circumvention?     'Tis  not  four  days  gone 
Since  I  heard  thence:   these  are  the  words:    I  think 
I  have  the  letter  here:   yes,  here  it  is: 
[Reads]   '  They  have  press'd  a  power,  but  it  is  not 

known 
Whether  for  east  or  west:   the  dearth  is  great;       lo 
The  people  mutinous  :  and  it  is  rumour'd, 
Cominius,  Marcius  your  old  enemy, 
Who  is  of  Rome  worse  hated  than  of  you, 
And  Titus  Lartius,  a  most  valiant  Roman, 
These  three  lead  on  this  preparation 
Whither 'tis  bent:  most  likely 'tis  for  you: 
Consider  of  it.' 

First  Sen.  Our  army  's  in  the  field: 

We  never  yet  made  doubt  but  Rome  was  ready 
To  answer  us. 

Auf.  Nor  did  you  think  it  folly 

To  keep  your  great  pretences  veil'd  till  when  20 

They  needs  must  show  themselves;    which  in  the 

hatching, 
It  seem'd  appear'd  to  Rome.     By  the  discovery 
We  shall  be  shorten'd  in  our  aim,  which  was 
To  take  in  many  towns  ere  almost  Rome 
Should  know  we  were  afoot. 

Sec.  Sen.  Noble  Aufidius, 

Take  your  commission;  hie  you  to  your  bands: 
Let  us  alone  to  guard  Corioli : 
If  they  set  down  before  's,  for  the  remove 
Bring  up  your  army;  but,  I  think,  you  '11  find 
They  've  not  prepared  for  us. 

Auf.  O,  doubt  not  that;      30 

30 


CORIOLANUS  Act  I.  Sc.  iii. 

I  speak  from  certainties.     Nay,  more, 
Some  parcels  of  their  power  are  fortb  already, 
And  only  hitherward.     I  leave  your  honours. 
If  we  and  Caius  Marcius  chance  to  meet, 
^Tis  sworn  between  us,  we  shall  ever  strike 
Till  one  can  do  no  more. 

All.  The  gods  assist  you ! 

Auf.  And  keep  your  honours  safe! 

First  Sen.  Farewell. 

Sec.  Sen.  Farewell. 

All.  Farewell.  [Exeunt. 

*  Scene  III. 

Rome.    A  r-ooin  in  Marcius'  house. 

Enter  Volumnia  and   Virgilia:    they  set  them  down  on 
tzvo  lozi'  stools,  and  sezv. 

Vol.  I  pray  you,  daughter,  sing,  or  express  yourself 
in  a  more  comfortable  sort :  if  my  son  were  my 
husband,  I  should  freelier  rejoice  in  that  absence 
wherein  he  won  honour  than  in  the  embracements 
of  his  bed  where  he  would  show  most  love. 
When  yet  he  was  but  tender-bodied,  and  the 
only  son  of  my  womb ;  w^hen  youth  with  come- 
liness plucked  all  gaze  his  way ;  when,  for  a  day 
of  kings'  entreaties,  a  mother  should  not  sell  him 
an  hour  from  her  beholding  ;  I,  considering  how  lo 
honour  would  become  such  a  person  ;  that  it  was 
no  better  than  picture-like  to  hang  by  the  wall, 
if  renown  made  it  not  stir,  was  pleased  to  let  him 
seek  danger  where  he  was  like  to  find  fame.  To 
a  cruel  war  I  sent  him  ;  from  whence  he  returned, 

31 


Act  I.  Sc.  iii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

his  brows  bound  with  oak.  I  tell  thee,  daughter, 
".  sprang  not  more  in  joy  at  first  hearing  he  was 
a  man-child,  than  now  in  first  seeing  he  had 
proved  himself  a  man. 

Fir.  But  had  he  died  in  the  business,  madam :   how     20 
then? 

J^ol.  Then  his  good  report  should  have  been  mv  son  ; 
I  therein  would  have  found  issue.  Hear  me 
profess  sincerely :  had  I  a  dozen  sons,  each  in 
my  love  alike,  and  none  less  dear  than  thine  and 
my  good  Marcius,  I  had  rather  had  eleven  die 
nobly  for  their  country  than  one  voluptuously 
surfeit  out  of  action.  ■% 

Enter  a  Gcjiflcii'ojuau. 

Gent.  ]\Iadam,  the  Lady  \'aleria  is  come  to  visit  3'ou. 

J'ir.  Beseech  you,  give  me  leave  to  retire  myself.  30 

Vol.  Indeed,  you  shall  not. 

Methinks  I  hear  hither  your  husband's  drum  ; 

See  him  pluck  Aufidius  down  by  the  hair ; 

As  children  from  a  bear,  the  A'olsces  shunning  him  : 

Methinks  I  see  him  stamp  thus,  and  call  thus : 

'  Come  on,  }-ou  cowards  !  you  were  got  in  fear, 

Though  you  were  born  in  Rome  ' :  his  bloody  brow 

With  his  mail'd  hand  then  wiping,  forth  he  goes. 

Like  to  a  harvest-man  that  's  task'd  to  mow 

Or  all,  or  lose  his  hire.  40 

J^ir.  His  bloody  brow!     O  Jupiter,  no  blood! 

Vol.  Away,  you  fool!  it  more  becomes  a  man 
Than  gilt  his  trophy  :  the  breasts  of  Hecuba, 
When  she  did  suckle  Hector,  look'd  not  lovelier 
Than  Hector's  forehead  when  it  spit  forth  blood 

32 


CORIOLANUS  Act  I.  Sc.  iii. 

At  Grecian  sword,  contemning.     Tell  \^aleria 

We  are  fit  to  bid  her  welcome.  [Exit  Gent. 

Vir.  Heavens  bless  my  lord  from  fell  Aufidius ! 

Vol.  He  '11  beat  Aufidius'  head  below  his  knee, 

And  tread  upon  his  neck.  50 

Enter  Valeria,  iv'ith  an  Usher  and  Gentleujonian. 

Vol.  My  ladies  both,  good  day  to  you. 

Vol.  Sweet  madam. 

Vir.  I  am  glad  to  see  your  ladyship. 

Val.  How   do  you  both  ?    you  are  manifest  house- 
^    keepers.     \\'hat  are  you  sewing  here?     A  fine 
spot,  in  good  faith.     How  does  your  little  son? 

Vir.  I  thank  3-our  ladyship ;   well,  good  madam. 

Vol.  He  had  rather  see  the  swords  and  hear  a  drum 
than  look  upon  bis  schoolmaster. 

Val.  O'  my  word,  the  father's  son :  I  '11  swear,  'tis  a  60 
very  pretty  boy.  O'  my  troth,  I  look'd  upon 
him  o'  Wednesday  half  an  hour  together ;  has 
such  a  confirmed  countenance.  I  saw  him  run 
after  a  gilded  butterfly  ;  and  when  he  caught  it, 
he  let  it  go  again  ;  and  after  it  again  ;  and  over 
and  over  he  comes,  and  up  again  ;  catched  it 
again :  or  whether  his  fall  enraged  him,  or  how 
'twas,  he  did  so  set  his  teeth,  and  tear  it ;  O,  I 
warrant,  how  he  mammocked  it ! 

Vol.  One  on  's  father's  moods.  70 

Vol.  Indeed,  la,  'tis  a  noble  child. 

Vir.  A  crack,  madam. 

Val.  Come  lay  aside  your  stitchery  ;  I  must  have  you 
play  the  idle  huswife  with  me  this  afternoon. 

Vir.  No,  good  madam  ;   T  will  not  out  of  doors. 

33 


Act  I.  Sc.  iii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

VaL  Not  out  of  doors ! 

Vol.  She  shall,  she  shall. 

Vir.  Indeed,  no,  by  your  patience ;    I  '11  not  over  the 
threshold  till  my  lord  return  from  the  wars. 

Val.  Fie,   you  confine  yourself  most  unreasonably :     80 
come,  you  must  go  visit  the  good  lady  that  lies  in. 

Vir.  I  will  wish  her  speedy  strength,  and  visit  her 
with  my  prayers  ;  but  I  cannot  go  thither. 

Vol.  Why,  I  pray  you  ? 

Vir.  'Tis  not  to  save  labour,  nor  that  I  want  love. 

Val.  You  would  be  another  Penelope :   yet,  thev  say, 
all  the  yarn  she  spun  in  llysses'  absence  did   # 
but  fill  Ithaca  full  of  moths.     Come;    I  w^ould 
your  cambric  were  sensible  as  your  finger,  that 
you  might  leave  pricking  it  for  pity.     Come,  you,    90 
shall  go  with  us. 

Vir.  No,  good  madam,  pardon  me ;    indeed,  I  will 
not  forth. 

Val.  In   truth,    la,    go   with   me,    and    I  '11    tell   you 
excellent  news  of  your  husband. 

Vir.  O,  good  madam,  there  can  be  none  yet. 

Val.  Verily,   I   do  not  jest   with  you;    there   came 
news  from  him  last  night. 

Vir.  Indeed,  madam? 

Val.  In  earnest,  it 's  true ;  I  heard  a  senator  speak  100 
it.  Thus  it  is  :  the  Volsces  have  an  army  forth  ; 
against  whom  Cominius  the  general  is  gone,  with 
one  part  of  our  Roman  power :  your  lord  and 
Titus  Lartius  are  set  down  before  their  city 
Corioli ;  they  nothing  doubt  prevailing,  and 
to  make  it  brief  wars.  This  is  true,  on  mine 
honour ;  and  so,  I  pray,  go  with  us. 

34 


CORIOLANUS  Act  I.  Sc.  iv. 

Vir.  Give  me  excuse,  good  madam ;   I  will  obey  you 

in  every  thing  hereafter. 
Vol.  Let  her  alone,  lady;   as  she  is  now,  she  will  but  no 

disease  our  better  mirth. 
Vol.  In  troth,   I  think  she  would.      Fare  you  well, 

then.    Come,  good  sweet  lady.   Prithee,  Virgilia, 

turn  thy  solemness  out  o'  door,  and  go  along 

with  us. 
Vir.  No,  at  a  word,  madam ;   indeed,  I  must  not.     I 

wish  you  much  mirth. 
Val.  Well  then,  farewell.  [Exeunt. 

•  Scene  IV. 

Before  Corioli. 

Enter,  zuitli  drum  and  colours,  Marcius,   Titus  Eartius, 
Captains  and  Soldiers.     To  them  a  Messenger. 

Mar.  Yonder  comes  news :   a  wager  they  have  met. 

Lart.  ]>.Iy  horse  to  yours,  no. 

Mar.  'Tis  done. 

Eart.  Agreed. 

Mar.  Say,  has  our  general  met  the  enemy? 

Mess.  They  lie  in  view^ ;   but  have  not  spoke  as  yet. 

Eart.   So,  the  good  horse  is  mine. 

Mar.  I  '11  buy  him  of  you. 

Eart.   Xo,  I  '11  nor  sell  nor  give  him :   lend  you  him  I  will 
For  half  a  hundred  years.     Summon  the  town. 

Mar.  How  far  off  lie  these  armies  ? 

Mess.  Within  this  mile  and  half. 

Mar.  Then  shall  we  hear  their  'larum,  and  they  ours. 

Now,  Mars,  I  prithee,  make  us  quick  in  work,         lo 
That  we  with  smoking  swords  may  march  from  hence, 

35 


Act  I.  Sc.  iv.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

To  help  our  fielded  friends !    Come,  blow  thy  blast. 

Tliey  sound  a  parley.     Enter  tzvo  Senators  ivith  others, 
on  the  ivalls. 

Tullus  Aufidius,  is  he  within  your  walls? 
First  Sen.   No,  nor  a  man  that  fears  you  less  than  he, 
That  's  lesser  than  a  little.     Hark,  our  drums 

[Drum  afar  off. 
Are  bringing  forth  our  youth  !  we  '11  break  our  walls, 
Rather  than  they  shall  pound  us  up :   our  gates, 
Which  yet  seem  shut,  we  have  but  pinn'd  with  rushes  ; 
They  '11  open  of  themselves.     Hark  you,  far  off ! 

[Alarum  far  off. 
There  is  Aufidius  ;   list,  what  work  he  makes  20 

Amongst  your  cloven  army. 

Mar.  O,  they  are  at  it ! 

Lart.  Their  noise  be  our  instruction.     Ladders,  ho ! 

Enter  the  army  of  the  Volsces. 

Mar.  They  fear  us  not,  but  issue  forth  their  city. 

Now  put  your  shields  before  your  hearts,  and  fight 
With  hearts  more  proof  than  shields.    Advance,  brave 

Titus : 
They  do  disdain  us  much  beyond  our  thoughts. 
Which  makes  me  sweat  with  wrath.     Come  on,  my 

fellows : 
He  that  retires,  I  '11  take  him  for  a  Volsce, 
And  he  shall  feel  mine  edge. 

Alarum.    The  Romans  are  heat  hack  to  their  trenches. 
Re-enter  Marcius,  cursing. 

Mar.  All  the  contagion  of  the  south  light  on  you,  30  • 

36 


CORIOLANUS  Act  I.  Sc.  iv. 

You  shames  of  Rome  !  you  herd  of — Boils  and  ])la^ues 
Plaster  you  o'er ;  that  you  may  be  abhorr'd 
Farther  than  seen,  and  one  infect  another 
Against  the  wind  a  mile !    You  souls  of  geese, 
That  bear  the  shapes  of  men,  how  have  you  run 
From  slaves  that  apes  would  beat !    Pluto  and  lied ! 
All  hurt  behind ;   backs  red,  and  faces  pale 
With  flight  and  agued  fear !   Mend,  and  charge  home, 
Or,  by  the  fires  of  heaven,  I  '11  leave  the  foe,  39 

And  make  rriy  wars  on  you  :  look  to  't :  come  on  ; 
If  you  '11  stand  fast,  we  '11  beat  them  to  their  wives. 
As  they  us  to  our  trenches  followed. 

Another  alarum.     The  Volsces  fly,  and  Marciiis  follozcs 
them  to  the  gates. 

So,  now  the  gates  are  ope :  now  prove  good  seconds  : 
'Tis  for  the  followers  fortune  wddens  them, 
Not  for  the  fliers  :  mark  me,  and  do  the  like. 

[Enters  the  gates. 
First  Sol.  Fool-hardiness ;   not  I. 

Sec.  Sol.  Nor  I.  [Marciiis  is  shut  in. 

First  Sol.   See,  they  have  shut  him  in. 
All.  To  the  pot,  I  warrant  him. 

[Alarum  continues. 

Re-enter  Titus  Lartius. 

Lart.  What  is  become  of  Marcius? 

All.  Slain,  sir,  doubtless. 

First  Sol.  Following  the  fliers  at  the  very  heels, 

\\'ith  them  He  enters ;   who.  upon  the  sudden,         50 
Clapp'd  to  their  gates :   he  is  himself  alone, 
To  answer  all  the  city. 

?>7 


Act  I.  Sc.  V.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Lart.  O  noble  fellow  ! 

Who  sensibly  outdares  his  senseless  sword, 

And,    when    it    bows,    stands    up !     Thou    art    left, 

Marcius : 
A  carbuncle  entire,  as  big  as  thou  art, 
Were  not  so  rich  a  jewel.     Thou  wast  a  soldier 
Even  to  Cato's  wish,  not  fierce  and  terrible 
Only  in  strokes  ;   but,  with  thy  grim  looks  and 
The  thunder-like  percussion  of  thy  sounds, 
Thou  madest  thine  enemies  shake,  as  if  the  world  60 
Were  feverous  and  did  tremble. 

Re-enter  Marcius,  bleeding,  assaulted  by  the  enemy. 

First  Sol.  Look,  sir. 

Lart.  O,  'tis  Marcius  ! 

Let 's  fetch  him  off,  or  make  remain  alike. 

[They  fight,  and  all  enter  the  city. 

Scene  V. 

Within  Corioli.     A  street. 

Enter  certain  Romans,  zi'ith  spoils. 

First  Rom.  This  wall  I  carry  to  Rome. 

Sec.  Rom.  And  I  this. 

Third  Rom.  A  murrain  on  't !   I  took  this  for  silver. 

[Alanim  continues  still  afar  off. 

Enter  Marcius  and  Titus  Lartius  zi'ith  a  trumpet. 

Mar.  See  here  these  movers  that  do  prize  their  hours 
At  a  crack'd  drachma !     Cushions,  leaden  spoons, 
Irons  of  a  doit,  doublets  that  hangmen  v.^ould 
Bury  with  those  that  wore  them,  these  base  slaves, 
Ere  yet  the  fight  be  done,  pack  up  :   down  with  them  ! 

38 


CORIOLANUS  Act  I.  Sc.  vi. 

And  hark,  what  noise  the  general  makes !    To  him  ! 

There  is  the  man  of  my  soul's  hate,  Aufidius,  lo 

Piercing  our  Romans  :  then,  valiant  Titus,  take 

Convenient  numbers  to  make  good  the  city ; 

Whilst  I,  with  those  that  have  the  spirit,  will  haste 

To  help  Cominius. 
Lart.  \A^orthy  sir,  thou  bleed'st; 

Thy  exercise  hath  been  too  violent 

For  a  second  .course  of  fight. 
Mar.  "^  Sir,  praise  me  not ; 

My  work  hath  yet  ,pot  warm'd  me :    fare  you  well : 

The  blood  I  drop  is  rather  physical 

Than  dangerous  to  me  :  to  Aufidius  thus 

I  will  appear,  and  fight. 
Lart.  Now  the  fair  goddess.  Fortune,     20 

Fall  deep  ni  love  with  thee ;   and  her  great  charms 

Misguide  thy  opposers'  swords !    Bold  gentleman, 

Prosperity  be  thy  page ! 
Mar.  Thy  friend  no  less 

Than  those  she  placeth  highest !     So  farewell. 
Lart.  Thou  worthiest  Marcius !  [Exit  Marcius. 

Go  sound  thy  trumpet  in  the  market-place; 

Call  thither  all  the  officers  o'  the  town, 

Where  they  shall  know  our  mind.    Away ! 

[Exeunt. 

Scene  VI. 

Near  the  camp  of  Cominius. 

Enter  Cominius,  as  it  were  in  retire,  zcitJi  Soldiers. 

Com.  Breathe  you,   my  friends :    well   fought ;    we    are 
come  off 
Like  Romans,  neither  foolish  in  our  stands, 

39 


Act  I.  Sc.  vi.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Nor  cowardly  in  retire :   believe  me,  sirs, 
We  shall  be  charged  again.    Whiles  we  have  struck, 
By  interims  and  conveying  gusts  we  have  heard 
The  charges  of  our  friends.    Ye  Roman  gods, 
Lead  their  successes  as  we  wish  our  own, 
That  both  our  powers,  with  smiling  fronts  encounter- 
ing, 
May  give  you  thankful  sacrifice ! 

Enter  a  Messenger.  ^ 

Thy  news? 

Mess.  The  citizens  of  Corioli  have  issued,  lo 

And  given  to  Lartius  and  to  Marcius  battle : 
I  saw  our  party  to  their  trenches  driven, 
And  then  I  came  away. 

Com.  Though  thou  speak'st  truth, 

Methinks  thou  speak'st  not  well.   How  long  is't  since  ? 

Mess.  Above  an  hour,  my  lord. 

Com.  'Tis  not  a  mile;  briefly  we  heard  their  drums: 
How  couldst  thou  in  a  mile  confound  an  hour, 
And  bring  thy  news  so  late? 

Mess.  Spies  of  the  Volsces 

Held  me  in  chase,  that  I  was  forced  to  wheel 
Three  or  four  miles  about ;  else  had  I,  sir,  20 

Half  an  hour  since  brought  my  report. 

Enter  Marcius. 

Com.  Who  's  yonder. 

That  does  appear  as  he  were  flay'd  ?    O  gods  ! 
He  has  the  stamp  of  Marcius ;  and  I  have 
Before-time  seen  him  thus. 

Mar.  Come  I  too  late? 

40 


CORIOLANUS  Act  I.  Sc.  vi. 

Com.  The  shepherd  knows  not  thunder  from  a  tabor 

More  than  I  know  the  sound  of  Marcius'  tongue 

From  every  meaner  man. 
Alar.  Come  I  too  late? 

Com.  Ay,  if  you  come  not  in  the  blood  of  others, 

But  mantled  in  your  own. 
Mar.  O,  let  me  clip  ye 

In  arms  as  sound  as  when  I  woo'd;   in  heart  30 

As  merry  as  when  our  nuptial  day  was  done, 

And  tapers  "buru'd  to  bedward! 
Com.  Flower  of  warrior^, 

How  is  't  with  Titus  Lartius? 
Mar.  As  with  a  man  busied  about  decrees: 

Condemning  some  to  death,  and  some  to  exile; 

Ransoming  him  or  pitying,  threatening  the  other ; 

Holding  Corioli  in  the  name  of  Rome, 

Even  like  a  fawning  greyhound  in  the  leash. 

To  let  him  slip  at  will. 
Com.  Where  is  that  slave 

Which  told  me  they  had  beat  you  to  your  trenches  ? 

Where  is  he?   call  him  hither. 
Mar.  Let  him  alone ;  41 

He  did  inform  the  truth:    but  for  our  gentlemen, 

The  common  file — a  plague!  tribunes  for  them! — 

The  mouse  ne'er  shunn'd  the  cat  as  they  did  budge 

From  rascals  worse  than  they. 
Com.  But  how  prevail'd  you? 

Mar.  Will  the  time  serve  to  tell?     I  do  not  think. 

Where  is  the  enemy  ?   are  you  lords  o'  the  field  ? 

If  not,  why  cease  you  till  you  are  so? 
Co7n.  Alarcius, 

We  have  at  disadvantage  fought,  and  did 

41 


Act  I.  Sc.  vi.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Retire  to  win  our  purpose.  50 

Mar.  How  lies  their  battle?  know  you  on  which  side 
They  have  placed  their  men  of  trust? 

Com.  As  I  guess,  Marcius. 

Their  bands  i'  the  vaward  are  the  Antiates, 
Of  their  best  trust;   o'er  them  Aufidius, 
Their  very  heart  of  hope. 

Mar.  I  do  beseech  you, 

By  all  the  battles  wherein  we  have  fought. 
By  the  blood  we  have  shed  together,  by  the  vows 
•    We  have  made  to  endure  friends,  that  you  directly 
Set  we  against  Aufidius  and  his  Antiates; 
And  that  you  not  delay  the  present,  but,  60 

Filling  the  air  with  swords  advanced  and  darts, 
We  prove  this  very  hour. 

Com.  Though  I  could  wish 

You  were  conducted  to  a  gentle  bath. 
And  balms  applied  to  you,  yet  dare  I  never 
Deny  your  asking:   take  your  choice  of  those 
That  best  can  aid  your  action. 

Mar.  Those  are  they 

That  most  are  willing.    If  any  such  be  here — 
As  it  were  sin  to  doubt — that  love  this  painting 
Wherein  you  see  me  smear'd;    if  any  fear 
Lesser  his  person  than  an  ill  report;  70 

If  any  think  brave  death  outweighs  bad  life. 
And  that  his  country's  dearer  than  himself; 
Let  him  alone,  or  so  manv  so  minded. 
Wave  thus,  to  express  his  disposition, 
And  follow  JMarcius. 

[They  all  shout,  and  wave  their  swords:   take 
him  up  in  their  arms,  and  east  up  their  eaps. 
42 


CORIOLANUS  Actl.  Sc.  vii. 

O,  me  alone !  make  you  a  sword  of  me  ? 

If  these  shows  be  not  outward,  which  of  you 

But  is  four  V'olsces?  none  of  you  but  is 

Able  to  bear  against  the  great  Aufidius 

A  shield  as  hard  as  his.     A  certain  number,  80 

Though  thanks  to  all,  must  I  select  from  all :    the 

rest 
Shall  bear  the  business  in  some  other  fight, 
As  cause  will  be  obey'd.     Please  you  to  march ; 
And  four  shall  quickly  draw  out  my  command. 
Which  men  are  best  inclined. 
Com.  March  on,  my  fellows  : 

Make  good  this  ostentation,  and  you  shall 
Divide  in  all  with  us.  [Exeunt. 

Scene  VII. 

The  gates  of  Corioli. 

Titus  Lartius,  having  set  a  guard  upon  Corioli,  going  with 
drum  and  trumpet  toward  Cominius  and  Cains  Mar- 
ciiis,  enters  with  a  Lieutenant,  other  Soldiers,  and  a 
Scout. 

Lart.  So,  let  the  ports  be  guarded :   keep  your  duties. 
As  I  have  set  them  down.    If  I  do  send,  dispatch 
Those  centuries  to  our  aid ;  the  rest  will  serve 
For  a  short  holding :  if  we  lose  the  field, 
We  cannot  keep  the  town. 

Lieu.  Fear  not  our  care,  sir. 

Lart.  Hence,  and  shut  your  gates  upon  's. 

Our  guider,  come ;  to  the  Roman  camp  conduct  us. 

[Exeuyit. 

43 


Act  I.  Sc.  viii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Scene  VIII. 

A  field  of  battle  between  the  Roman  and  the 
Volscian  camps. 

Alarum  as  in  battle.   Enter,  from  opposite  sides,  Marcius 
and  Auiidius. 

Mar.  I  '11  fight  with  none  but  thee  ;  for  I  do  hate  thee 

Worse  than  a  promise-breaker. 
Aiif,  We  hate  alike: 

Not  Afric  owns  a  serpent  I  abhor 

More  than  thy  fame  and  envy.     Fix  thy  foot. 
Mar.  Let  the  first  budger  die  the  other's  slave, 

And  the  gods  doom  him  after! 
Aiif.  If  I  fly,  ^larcius, 

Holloa  me  like  a  hare. 
Mar.  Within  these  three  hours,  Tullus, 

Alone  I  fought  in  your  Corioli  walls, 

And  made  what  work  I  pleased :   'tis  not  my  blood 

Wherein  thou  seest  me  mask'd;   for  thy  revenge     lo 

Wrench  up  thy  power  to  the  highest. 
Aiif.  Wert  thou  the  Hector 

That  was  the  whip  of  your  bragg'd  progeny, 

Thou  shouldst  not  'scape  me  here. 

{They  fight,  and  certain  Volsces  come  in  the  aid 
of  Aufidius.  Marcius  fights  till  they  be 
driven  in  breathless. 

Officious  and  not  valiant,  you  have  shamed  me 

In  your  condemned  seconds.  [Exeunt. 


44 


CORIOLANUS  Act  I.  Sc.  ix. 

Scene  IX. 

T!ie  Roman  camp. 

Flourish.  Alarum.  A  retreat  is  sounded.  Enter,  from 
one  side,  Cominins  zcitJi  the  Romans:  from  the  other 
side,  Marcius,  zcith  his  arm  in  a  scarf. 

Com.  If  I  should  tell  thee  o'er  this  thy  day's  work, 
Thou  'It  not  believe  thy  deeds :  but  I  '11  report  it, 
Where  senators  shall  mingle  tears  with  smiles  ; 
Where  great  patricians  shall  attend,  and  shrug, 
r  the  end  admire ;   where  ladies  shall  be  frighted, 
And,  gladly  quaked,  hear  more  ;  where  the  dull  tribunes, 
That,  with  the  fusty  plebeians,  hate  thine  honours. 
Shall  say  against  their  hearts  '  We  thank  the  gods 
Our  Rome  hath  such  a  soldier.' 

Yet  camest  thou  to  a  morsel  of  this  feast,  lo 

Having  fully  dined  before. 

Enter  Titus  Lartius,  zuith  his  pozcer,  from  the  pursuit. 

Lart.  O  general, 

Here  is  the  steed,  we  the  caparison : 
Hadst  thou  beheld — 

Mar.  Pray  now,  no  more  :  my  mother, 

Who  has  a  charier  to  extol  her  blood, 
When  she  does  praise  me  grieves  me.     I  have  done 
As  you  have  done ;  that  *s  what  I  can  :  induced 
As  you  have  been  :   that  's  for  my  country : 
He  that  has  but  effected  his  good  will 
Hath  overtaken  mine  act. 

Com.  Vou  shall  not  be 

The  grave  of  vour  deserving ;  Rome  must  know     20 
The  value  of  her  own  :    'twere  a  concealment 

45 


Act  I.  Sc.  ix.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Worse  than  a  theft,  no  less  than  a  traducement, 
To  hide  your  doings ;   and  to  silence  that, 
Which,  to  the  spire  and  top  of  praises  vouch'd, 
Would  seem  but  modest :   therefore,  I  beseech  you — 
In  sign  of  what  you  are,  not  to  reward 
What  you  have  done — ^before  our  army  hear  me. 

Mar.  I  have  some  wounds  upon  me,  and  they  smart 
To  hear  themselves  remember'd. 

Com.  Should  they  not, 

W^ell  might  they  fester  'gainst  ingratitude,  30 

And  tent  themselves  with  death.    Of  all  the  horses, 
Whereof  we  have  ta'en  good,  and  good  store,  of  all 
The  treasure  in  this  field  achieved  and  city, 
We  render  you  the  tenth  ;  to  be  ta'en  forth, 
Before  the  common  distribution,  at 
Your  only  choice. 

Mar.  I  thank  you,  general : 

But  cannot  make  my  heart  consent  to  take 
A  bribe  to  pay  my  sword :   I  do  refuse  it, 
And  stand  upon  my  common  part  with  those 
That  have  beheld  the  doing.  40 

[A  long  Nourish.  They  all  cry  '  Marciiis!  Marcius!' 
cast  up  their  caps  and  lances:  Cominius  and 
Lartiiis  stand  bare. 

Mar.  May  these  same  instruments,  which  you  profane, 
Never  sound  more !   when  drums  and  trumpets  shall 
r  the  field  prove  flatterers,  let  courts  and  cities  be 
Made  all  of  false-faced  soothing ! 
When  steel  grows  soft  as  the  parasite's  silk, 
Let  him  be  made  a  coverture  for  the  wars ! 
No  more,  I  say !  For  tha-t  I  have  not  wash'd 
My  nose  that  bled,  or  foil'd  some  debile  wretch, 
46 


CORIOLANUS  Act  I.  Sc.  ix. 

Which  without  note  here  's  many  else  have  done, 

You  shout  me  forth  50 

In  acclamations  hyperbolical ; 

As  if  I  loved  my  little  should  be  dieted 

In  praises  sauced  with  lies. 

Com.  Too  modest  are  you ; 

More  cruel  to  your  good  report  than  grateful 
To  us  that  give  you  truly :  by  your  patience, 
If  'gainst  yourself  you  be  incensed,  we  '11  put  you. 
Like  one  that  means  his  proper  harm,  in  manacles. 
Then  reason  safely  with  you.  Therefore,  be  it  known, 
As  to  us,  to  all  the  world,  that  Caius  Alarcius 
Wears  this  war's  garland :  in  token  of  the  which,  60 
My  noble  steed,  known  to  the  camp,  I  give  him. 
With  all  his  trim  belonging ;   and  from  this  time, 
For  what  he  did  before  Corioli,  call  him. 
With  all  the  applause  and  clamour  of  the  host, 
Caius  AIarcius  Coriolanus.    Bear 
The  addition  nobly  ever ! 

[Flourish.     Tniuipcts  sound,  and  drums. 

All.  Caius  Marcius  Coriolanus ! 

Cor.  I  will  go  wash  ; 

And  when  my  face  is  fair,  you  shall  perceive 
Whether  I  blush,  or  no  :  howbeit,  I  thank  you  :       70 
I  mean  to  stride  your  steed ;  and  at  all  times 
To  undercrest  your  good  addition 
To  the  fairness  of  my  power. 

Com.  So,  to  our  tent; 

Where,  ere  we  do  repose  us,  we  will  write 
To  Rome  of  our  success.    You,  Titus  Lartius, 
Must  to  Corioli  back :   send  us  to  Rome 
The  best,  with  whom  we  may  articulate 

47 


Act  I.  Sc.  X.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

For  their  own  good  and  ours. 
Lart.  I  shall,  my  lord. 

Cor.  The  gods  begin  to  mock  me.     I,  that  now 

Refused  most  princely  gifts,  am  bound  to  beg         80 

Of  my  lord  general. 
Com.  Take  't;   'tis  yours.    What  is  't? 

Cor.  I  sometime  lay  here  in  Corioli 

At  a  poor  roan's  house ;  he  used  me  kindly : 

He  cried  to  me ;  I  saw  him  prisoner ; 

But  then  Aufidius  was  within  my  view, 

And  wrath  o'erwhelm'd  my  pity :   I  request  you 

To  give  my  poor  host  freedom. 
Com.  O,  well  begg'd  !  . 

Were  he  the  butcher  of  my  son,  he  should 

Be  free  as  is  the  wind.     Deliver  him,  Titus. 
Lart.  Marcius,  his  name? 
Cor.  By  Jupiter,  forgot :  90 

I  am  weary ;  yea,  my  memory  is  tired. 

Have  we  no  .wine  here  ? 
Com.  Go  we  to  our  tent : 

The  blood  upon  your  visage  dries ;   'tis  time 

It  should  be  look'd  to :   come.  [Exeunt. 

Scene  X. 

The  camp  of  the  Volsces. 

A  nourish.     Cornets.    Enter  Tullus  Aufidius,  bloody, 
with  tzvo  or  three  Soldiers. 

Auf.  The  town  is  ta'en ! 

Eirst  Sol.  'Twill  be  deliver'd  back  on  good  condition. 

Auf.  Condition! 

I  would  I  were  a  Roman  ;  for  I  cannot, 

48 


CORIOLANUS  Act  I.  Sc.  x. 

Being  a  Volsce,  be  that  I  am.     Condition ! 

What  good  condition  can  a  treaty  find 

r  the  part  that  is  at  mercy  ?    Five  times,  Marcius, 

I  have  fought  with  thee  ;  so  often  hast  thou  beat  me  ; 

And  wouldst  do  so,  I  think,  should  we  encounter 

As  often  as  we  eat.     By  the  elements,  lo 

If  e'er  again  I  meet  him  beard  to  beard, 

He  's  mine,  or  I  am  his :  mine  emulation 

Hath  not  that  honour  in  't  it  had  ;   for  where 

I  thought  to  crush  him  in  an  equal  force. 

True  sword  to  sword,  I  '11  potch  at  him  some  way, 

Or  wrath  or  craft  may  get  him. 

First  SoL  He  's  the  devil. 

Aiif.  Bolder,  though  not  so  subtle.      My  valour  's  poison'd 
With  only  suffering  stain  by  him ;   for  him 
Shall  fly  out  of  itself :  nor  sleep  nor  sanctuary. 
Being  naked,  sick,  nor  fane  nor  Capitol,  20 

The  prayers  of  priests  nor  times  of  sacrifice, 
Embarquements  all  of  fury,  shall  lift  up 
Their  rotten  privilege  and  custom  'gainst 
My  hate  to  Marcius  :   where  I  find  him,  were  it 
At  home,  upon  my  brother's  guard,  even  there, 
Against  the  hospitable  canon,  would  I 
Wash  my  fierce  hand  in  's  heart.     Go  you  to  the  city ; 
Learn  how  'tis  held,  and  what  they  are  that  must 
Be  hostages  for  Rome. 

First  Sol.  Will  not  you  go  ? 

Aitf.  I  am  attended  at  the  cypress  grove  :  I  pray  you —  30 
'Tis  south  the  city  mills — bring  me  word  thither 
How  the  world  goes,  that  the  pace  of  it 
I  may  spur  on  my  journey. 

First  SoL  I  shall,  sir.  [Exeunt. 

49 


Act  II.  Sc.  i.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

ACT  SECOND. 
Scene  I. 

Rome.    A  public  place. 

Enter  Menenius,  with  the  t'u'o  Tribunes  of  the  people, 
Sicinius  and  Brutus. 

Men.  The  augurer  tells  me  we  shall  have  news  to- 
night. 

Bru.  Good  or  bad? 

Men.  Not  according  to  the  prayer  of  the  people,  for 
they  love  not  Marcius. 

Sic.   Nature  teaches  beasts  to  know  their  friends. 

Men.  Pray  you,  who  does  the  wolf  love? 

Sic.  The  lamb. 

Men.  Ay,  to  devour  him ;    as  the  hungry  plebeians 

would  the  noble  Marcius.  lo 

Bru.  He  's  a  lamb  indeed,  that  baes  like  a  bear. 

Men.  He  's  a  bear  indeed,  that  lives  like  a  lamb.  You 
two  are  old  men :  tell  me  one  thing  that  I  shall 
ask  you. 

Both.  Well,  sir. 

Men.  In  what  enormity  is  Alarcius  poor  in,  that  you 

two  have  not  in  abundance  ? 
Bru.  He  's  poor  in  no  one  fault,  but  stored  with  all. 
Sic.  Especially  in  pride. 

Bru.  And  topping  all  others  in  boasting.  20 

Men.  This  is  strange  now :    do  you  two  know  how 

you  are  censured  here  in  the  city,  I  mean  of  us 

o'  the  right-hand  file?  do  you? 
Both.  Why,  how  are  we  censured? 

50 


CORIOLANUS  Act  II.  Sc.  i. 

Men.  Bjecause  you  talk  of  pride  now, — will  you  not 
be  angry? 

Both.  Well,  well,  sir,  well. 

Men.  Why,  'tis  no  great  matter;  for  a  very  little 
thief  of  occasion  will  rob  you  of  a  great  deal  of 
patience:  give  your  dispositions  the  reins,  and  3.) 
be  angry  at  your  pleasures;  at  the  least,  if  you 
take  it  as  a  pleasure  to  you  in  being  so.  You 
blame  Marcius  for  being  proud? 

Bni.  W^e  do  it  not  alone,  sir. 

Men.  I  know  you  can  do  very  little  alone;  for  your 
helps  are  many,  or  else  your  actions  would  grow 
wondrous  single:  your  abilities  are  too  infant- 
like for  doing  much  alone.     You  talk  of  pride: 

0  that  you  could  turn  your  eyes  toward  the 
napes  of  your  necks,  and  make  but  an  interior     40 
survey  of  your  good  selves!    O  that  you  could! 

Both.  What  then,  sir? 

Men.  Why,  then  you  should  discover  a  brace  of  un- 
meriting,  proud,  violent,  testy  magistrates,  alias 
fools,  as  any  in  Rome. 

Sic.  Menenius,  you  are  known  well  enough  too. 

Men.  I  am  known  to  be  a  humorous  patrician,  and 
one  that  loves  a  cup  of  hot  wine  with  not  a  drop 
of  allaying  Tiber  in  't ;  said  to  be  something  im- 
perfect in  favouring  the  first  complaint,  hasty  and  50 
tinder-like  upon  too  trivial  motion  ;  one  that  con- 
verses more  with  the  buttock  of  the  night  than 
with  the  forehead  of  the  morning :   what  I  think 

1  utter,  and  spend  my  malice  in  my  breath. 
Meeting  two  such  wealsmen  as  you  are, — I  can- 
not call  you  Lycurguses — if  the  drink  you  give 

51 


Act  II.  Sc.  i.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

me  touch  my  palate  adversely,  I  make  a  croolied 
face  at  it.  I  can  't  say  your  worships  have  de- 
livered the  matter  well,  when  I  find  the  ass  in 
compound  with  the  major  part  of  your  syllables  :  60 
and  though  I  must  be  content  to  bear  with  those 
that  say  you  are  reverend  grave  men,  yet  they  lie 
deadly  that  tell  you  you  have  good  faces.  If  you 
see  this  in  the  map  of  my  microcosm,  follows  it 
that  I  am  known  well  enough  too?  what  harm 
can  your  bisson  conspectuities  glean  out  of  this 

#       character,  if  I  be  known  well  enough  too  ? 

Bru.  Come,  sir,  come,  we  know  you  well  enough. 

Men.  You  know  neither  me,  yourselves,   nor  any 

thing.  You  are  ambitious  for  poor  knaves'  caps  ;  j 
and  legs:  you  wear  out  a  good  wholesome  fore- 
noon in  hearing  a  cause  between  an  orange-wife 
and  a  fosset-seller,  and  then  rejourn  the  contro- 
versy of  three-pence  to  a  second  day  of  audience. 
When  you  are  hearing  a  matter  between  party 
and  party,  if  you  chance  to  be  pinched  wuth  the 
colic,  you  make  faces  like  mummers;  set  up  the 
bloody  flag  against  all  patience;  and,  in  roaring 
for  a  chamber-pot,  dismiss  the  controversy  bleed- 
ing, the  more  entangled  by  your  hearing :  all  the  80 
peace  you  make  in  their  cause  is,  calling  both 
the  parties  knaves.  You  are  a  pair  of  strange 
ones. 

Bru.  Come,  come,  you  are  well  understood  to  be  a 
perfecter  giber  for  the  table  than  a  necessary 
bencher  in  the  Capitol. 

Men.  Our  very  priests  must  become  mockers,  if  they 
shall  encounter  such  ridiculous  subjects  as  you 
52 


CORIOLANUS  Act  II.  Sc.  i. 

are.  When  you  speak  best  unto  the  purpose,  it 
is  not  worth  the  wagging-  of  your  beards ;  and  90 
your  beards  deserve  not  so  honourable  a  grave 
as  to  stuff  a  botcher's  cushion,  or  to  be  entombed 
in  an  ass's  pack-saddle.  Yet  you  must  be  saying, 
Marcius  is  proud ;  who,  in  a  cheap  estimation, 
is  worth  all  your  predecessors  since  Deucalion  ; 
though  peradventure  some  of  the  best  of  'em 
Avere  hereditary  hangmen.  God-den  to  your  wor- 
ships :  more  of  your  conversation  would  infect 
my  brain,  being  the  herdsmen  of  the  beastly 
plebeians  :  I  will  be  bold  to  take  my  leave  of  you.  100 
[Brutus  aud  Sicinius  go  aside. 

Enter  Vohiinuia,  Virgilia,  and  Valeria. 

How  now,  my  as  fair  as  noble  ladies, — and  the 
moon,  were  she  earthly,  no  nobler — whither  do 
you  follow  your  eyes  so  fast  ? 

Vol.  Honourable  Menenius,  my  boy  Alarcius  ap- 
proaches ;   for  the  love  of  Juno,  let  's  go. 

Men.  Ha!    ]\Iarcius  coming  home? 

Vol.  Av,  worthy  ^Menenius  ;  and  with  most  prosperous 
approbation. 

Meu.  Take    my    cap,    Jupiter,    and    I    thank    thee. 

Hoo!   A larcius  coming  home?  no 

T,  ,      ,-  Xav,  'tis  true. 
Val.    J 

Vol.  Look,  here  's  a  letter  from  him :  the  state  hath 
another,  his  wife  another ;  and,  I  think,  there  's 
one  at  home  for  you. 

Men.  I  will  make  my  very  house  reel  to-night:  a 
letter  for  me? 

S3 


Vir.     \ 


Aet  11.  Sc.  i.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Vir.  Yes,  certain,  there  's  a  letter  for  you ;   I  saw  't. 

Men.  A  letter  for  me !  it  gives  me  an  estate  of 
seven  years'  health ;  in  which  time  I  will  make 
a  lip  at  the  physician :  the  most  sovereign  pre-  120 
scription  in  Galen  is  but  empiricutic,  and,  to 
this  preservative,  of  no  better  report  than  a 
horse-drench.  Is  he  not  wounded?  he  was 
wont  to  come  home  wounded. 

Vir.  O,  no,  no,  no. 

Fo/.  O,  he  is  wounded ;   I  thank  the  gods  for  't. 

Men.  So  do  I  too,  if  it  be  not  too  much :  brings 
a'  victory  in  his  pocket?  the  wounds  become 
him. 

Vol.  On  's  brows :  Menenius,  he  comes  the  third  time  130 
home  with  the  oaken  garland. 

Men.  Has  he  disciplined  Aufidius  soundly? 

Vol.  Titus  Lartius  writes,  they  fought  together,  but 
Aufidius  got  off. 

Men.  And  'twas  time  for  him  too,  I  '11  warrant  him 
that:  an  he  had  stayed  by  him,  I  would  not 
have  been  so  fidiused  for  all  the  chests  in 
Corioli,  and  the  gold  that 's  in  them.  Is  the 
senate  possessed  of  this  ? 

Vol.  Good    ladies,    let 's    go.      Yes,    yes,    yes ;     the  140 
senate  has  letters  from  the  general,  wherein  he 
gives  my  son  the  whole  name  of  the  war :    he 
hath   in   this   action   outdone  his   former   deeds 
doubly. 

Val.  In  troth,  there 's  wondrous  things  spoke  of 
him. 

Men.  Wondrous!  ay,  I  warrant  you,  and  not  with- 
out his  true  purchasing. 

54 


CORIOLANUS  Act  II.  Sc.  i. 

Vir.  The  gods  grant  them  true! 

Vol.  True!   pow,  wow.  15b 

Men.  True!  I'll  be  sworn  they  are  true.  Where 
is  he  wounded?  [To  the  Tribunes]  God  save 
your  good  worships !  Marcius  is  coming  home : 
he  has  more  cause  to  be  proud.  Where  is  he 
wounded  ? 

Vol.  T  the  shoulder  and  i'  the  left  arm :  there  will 
be  large  cicatrices  to  show  the  people,  when  he 
shall  stand  for  his  place.  He  received  in  the 
repulse  of  Tarquin  seven  hurts  i'  the  body. 

Men.  One  i'  the  neck,  and  two  i'  the  thigh ;  there  's  160 
nine  that  I  know. 

Vol.  He  had,  before  this  last  expedition,  twenty  five 
wounds  upon  him. 

Men.  Now  it 's  twenty  seven :  every  gash  was  an 
enemy's  grave.  [A  shout  and  flourish.]  Hark! 
the  trumpets. 

Vol.  These  are  the  ushers  of  Marcius  :  before  him  he 
carries  noise,  and  behind  him  he  leaves  tears : 
Death,  that  dark  spirit,  in  's  nervy  arm  doth  lie;     169 
Which,  being  advanced,  declines,  and  then  men  die. 

A  sennet.  Trumpets  sound.  Enter  Cominius  and  Titus 
Lartius;  between  them,  Coriolanns,  crowned  with  an 
oaken  garland;  zvith  Captains  and  Soldiers,  and  a 
Herald. 

Her.  Know,  Rome,  that  all  alone  Marcius  did  fight 
Within  Corioli  gates :    where  he  hath  won, 
With  fame,  a  name  to  Caius  Marcius ;  these 
In  honour  follows  Coriolanus. 
Welcome  to  Rome,  renowned  Coriolanus !  [Flourish. 

55 


Act   II.  Sc  i.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

AIL  Welcome  to  Rome,  renowned  Coriolanus  ! 

Cor.   No  more  of  this,  it  does  offend  my  heart ; 
Pray  now,  no  more. 

Com.  Look,  sir,  }our  mother! 

Cor.  '   O, 

You  have,  I  know,  petition'd  all  the  gods 
For  my  prosperity  !  [Kneels. 

Vol.  Nay,  my  good  soldier,  up;       i8o 

My  gentle  Marcius,  worthy  Caius,  and 
By  deed-achieving  honour  newly  named, — 
What  is  it  ? — Coriolanus  must  I  call  thee  ? — 
But,  O,  thy  wife ! 

Cor.  ]\Iy  gracious  silence,  hail ! 

Wouldst  thou  have  laugh'd  had  I  come  coffin'd  home, 
That  weep'st  to  see  me  triumph  ?    Ah,  my  dear. 
Such  eyes  the  widows  in  Corioli  w^ear, 
And  mothers  that  lack  sons. 

Men.  Now%  the  gods  crown  thee! 

Cor.  And  live  you  yet?    [To  Valeria]   O  my  sweet  lady, 
pardon. 

Vol.  I  know  not  where  to  turn  :  O,  welcome  home :        190 
And  welcome,  general :  and  ye  're  welcome  all. 

Men.  A  liundred  thousand  welcomes.     I  could  weep. 

And  I  could  laugh  ;  I  am  light  and  heavy.   Welcome : 
A  curse  begin  at  very  root  on  's  heart, 
That  is  not  glad  to  see  thee !    You  are  three 
That  Rome  should  dote  on  :  yet,  by  the  faith  of  men. 
We  have  some  old  crab-trees  here  at  home  that  will  not 
Be  grafted  to  your  relish.    Yet  welcome,  warriors  : 
We  call  a  nettle  but  a  nettle,  and 
The  faults  of  fools  but  folly. 

Co77t.  Ever  right.  200 


CORIOLANUS  Act  II.  Sc.  i. 

Cor.  Menenius,  ever,  ever. 

Her.  Give  way  there,  and  go  on. 

Cor.    [To  l^oliujinia  and  Virgilia]  Your  hand,  and  yours: 
Ere  in  our  own  house  I  do  shade  my  head, 
The  good  patricians  must  be  visited ; 
From  whom  I  have  received  not  only  greetings, 
But  with  them  change  of  honours. 

Ko/.  I  have  Uved 

To  see  inherited  my  very  wishes 
And  the  buildings  of  my  fancy :   only 
There  's  one  thing  wanting,  which  I  doubt  not  but 
Our  Rome  will  cast  upon  thee. 

Cor.  Know,  good  mother,  210 

I  had  rather  be  their  servant  in  my  way 
Than  sway  with  them  in  theirs. 

Com.  On,  to  the  Capitol ! 

[FlourisJi.     Cornets.    Exeunt  in  state,  as  before. 
Brutus  and  Sicijiius  come  forward. 

Bru.  All  tongues  speak  of  him,  and  the  bleared  sights 
Are  spectacled  to  see  him :   your  prattling  nurse 
Into  a  rapture  lets  her  baby  cry 
While  she  chats  him :  the  kitchen  malkin  pins 
Her  richest  lockram  'bout  her  reechy  neck, 
Clambering    the    walls    to    eye    him :     stalls,    bulks, 

windows. 
Are  smother'd  up,  leads  fiU'd  and  ridges  horsed 
With  variable  complexions,  all  agreeing  220 

In  earnestness  to  see  him :   seld-shown  flamens 
Do  press  among  the  popular  throngs,  and  puff 
To  win  a  vulgar  station  :  our  veil'd  dames 
Commit  the  war  of  white  and  damask  in 
Their  nicely-gawded  cheeks  to  the  wanton  spoil 

57 


Act  II.  Sc.  i.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Of  Phcebus'  burning  kisses  :    such  a  pother. 

As  if  that  whatsoever  god  who  leads  him 

Were  shly  crept  into  his  human  powers, 

And  gave  him  graceful  posture. 
Sic.  On  the  sudden, 

I  warrant  him  consul. 
Bnt.  Then  our  office  may,  230 

During  his  power,  go  sleep. 
Sic.  He  cannot  temperately  transport  his  honours 

From  where  he  should  begin  and  end,  but  will 

Lose  those  he  hath  won. 
Brii.  In  that  there  's  comfort. 

Sic.  Doubt  not 

The  commoners,  for  whom  we  stand,  but  they 

Upon  their  ancient  malice  will  forget 

^^'ith  the  least  cause  these  his  new  honours  ;  which 

That  he  w411  give  them  make  I  as  little  question 

As  he  is  proud  to  do  't. 

Bru.  I  heard  him  swear, 

WevQ  he  to  stand  for  consul,  never  would  he         240 

Appear  i'  the  market-place,  nor  on  him  put 

The  napless  vesture  of  humility. 

Nor  show^ing,  as  the  manner  is,  his  wounds 

To  the  people,  beg  their  stinking  breaths. 

Sic.  'Tis  right. 

Brii.  It  was  his  word :  O,  he  would  miss  it  rather 

Than  carry  it  but  by  the  suit  of  the  gentry  to  him, 
And  the  desire  of  the  nobles. 

Sic.  I  wish  no  better 

Than  have  him  hold  that  purpose  and  to  put  it 
In  execution. 

Bru.  'Tis  most  like  he  will. 

58 


CORIOLANUS  Act  II.  Sc.  i. 

Sic.   It  sliall  be  to  him  then,  as  our  good  wills,  250 

A  sure  destruction. 

Brii.  So  it  must  fall  out 

To  him  or  our  authorities.     For  an  end, 
We  must  suggest  the  people  in  what  hatred 
He  still  hath  held  them ;  that  to  's  power  he  would 
Have  made  them  mules,  silenced  their  pleaders  and 
Dispropertied  their  freedoms ;    holding  them, 
In  human  action  and  capacity, 
Of  no  more  soul  nor  fitness  for  the  world 
Than  camels  in  the  war,  who  have  their  provand 
Only  for  bearing  burthens,  and  sore  blows  260 

For  sinking  under  them. 

Sic.  This,  as  you  say,  suggested 

At  some  time  when  his  soaring  insolence 
Shall  touch  the  people — which  time  shall  not  want, 
If  he  be  put  upon  't ;  and  that 's  as  easy 
As  to  set  dogs  on  sheep — will  be  his  fire 
To  kindle  their  dry  stubble ;  and  their  blaze 
Shall  darken  him  for  ever. 

Enter  a  Messenger. 

Bru.  What 's  the  matter? 

Mess.  You  are  sent  for  to  the  Capitol.     'Tis  thought 
That  Marcius  shall  be  consul : 

I  have  seen  the  dumb  men  throng  to  see  him  and  270 
The  blind  to  hear  him  speak :   matrons  flung  gloves, 
Ladies  and  maids  their  scarfs  and  handkerchers. 
Upon  him  as  he  pass'd :   the  nobles  bended. 
As  to  Jove's  statue,  and  the  commons  made 
A  shower  and  thunder  with* their  caps  and  shouts : 
I  never  saw  the  like. 

59 


Act  11.  Sc.  ii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Bru.  Let 's  to  the  Capitol, 

And  carry  with  iis  ears  and  eyes  for  the  time, 
But  hearts  for  the  event. 

Sic.  Have  with  yon.        [Exeunt. 

Scene  II. 

The  same.    The  Capitol. 
Enter  tzvo  Officers,  to  lay  cushions. 

First  Off.  Come,  come,  they  are  ahnost  here.     How 
many  stand  for  consulships? 

Sec.  Off.  Three,  they  say:   but  'tis  thought  of  every 
one  Coriolanus  will  carry  it. 

First   Off.  That's   a   brave   fellow;    but   he's   ven- 
geance proud,  and  loves  not  the  common  people. 

Sec.  Off.  Faith,  there  have  been  many  great  men  that 
have  flattered  the  people,  who  ne'er  loved  them ; 
and  there  be  many  that  they  have  loved,  they 
know  not  wherefore :  so  that,  if  they  love  they  lo 
know  not  why,  they  hate  upon  no  better  a 
ground  :  therefore,  for  Coriolanus  neither  to  care 
whether  they  love  or  hate  him  manifests  the 
true  knowledge  he  has  in  their  disposition ;  and 
out  of  his  noble  carelessness  lets  them  plainly 
see  't. 

First  Off.  If  he  did  not  care  whether  he  had  their 
love  or  no,  he  waved  indifferently  'twixt  doing 
them  neither  good  nor  harm :  but  he  seeks 
their  hate  with  greater  devotion  than  they  can  20 
render  it  him,  and  leaves  nothing  undone  that 
may  fully  discover  -him  their  opposite.  Now, 
to  seem  to  affect  the  malice  and  displeasure  of 
60 


30 


CORIOLANUS  Act  II.  Sc. 

the  people  is  as  bad  as  that  which  he  dishkes, 
to  flatter  them  for  their  love. 

Sec.  Off.  He  hath  deserved  worthily  of  his  country: 
and  his  ascent  is  not  by  such  easy  degrees  as 
those  who,  having  been  supple  and  courteous 
to  the  people,  bonneted,  without  any  further 
deed  to  have  them  at  all  into  their  estimation 
and  report :  but  he  hath  so  planted  his  honours 
in  their  eyes  and  his  actions  in  their  hearts, 
that  for  their  tongues  to  be  silent  and  not 
confess  so  much,  were  a  kind  of  ingrateful 
injury;  to  report  otherwise  were  a  malice  that, 
giving  itself  the  lie,  would  pluck  reproof  and  re- 
buke from  every  ear  that  heard  it. 

First  Off.  Xo  more  of  him;  he's  a  worthy  man: 
make  way,  they  are  coming. 

A  sennet.  Enter,  li'ith  Lictors  before  them,  Corninius  the 
Consul,  Meneniiis,  Coriolanus,  Senators,  Sicinius  and 
Briitns.  The  Senators  take  their  places;  the  Tribunes 
take  their  places  by  thcmsch'cs.     Coriolanus  stands. 

Men.  Having  determined  of  the  \'olsces  and  40 

To  send  for  Titus  Lartius,  it  remains, 
As  the  main  point  of  this  our  after-meeting, 
To  gratify  his  noble  service  that 

Hath  thus  stood  for  his  country  :  therefore,  please  you, 
Most  reverend  and  grave  elders,  to  desire 
The  present  consul,  and  last  general 
In  our  well-found  successes,  to  report 
A  little  of  that  worthy  work  perform 'd 
By  Caius  Marcius  Coriolanus  :    whom 
We  met  here,  both  to  thank  and  to  remember         5c 
61 


Act  II.  Sc.  ii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

\\'ith  honours  like  himself. 
First  Sen.  Speak,  good  Cominius : 

Leave  nothing  out  for  length,  and  make  us  think 

Rather  our  state  's  defective  for  requital 

Than  we  to  stretch  it  out.  [To  the  Tribunes]  Masters 
o'  the  people, 

We  do  request  your  kindest  ears,  and  after. 

Your  loving  motion  toward  the  common  body, 

To  yield  what  passes  here. 
Sic.  We  are  convented 

Upon  a  pleasing  treaty,  and  have  hearts 

Inclinable  to  honour  and  advance 

The  theme  of  our  assembly. 
Bru,  Which  the  rather         60 

We  shall  be  bless'd  to  do,  if  he  remember 

A  kinder  value  of  the  people  than 

He  hath  hereto  prized  them  at. 
Men.  That  's  off,  that 's  off ; 

I  would  you  rather  had  been  silent.     Please  you 

To  hear  Cominius  speak? 
Bru.  Alost  willingly: 

But  yet  my  caution  was  more  pertinent 

Than  the  rebuke  you  give  it. 
Men.  He  loves  your  people  ; 

But  tie  him  not  to  be  their  bedfellow. 

Worthy  Cominius,  speak.     [Coriolanus  offers  to  go 
away.]     Nay,  keep  your  place. 
First  Sen.  Sit,  Coriolanus  ;  never  shame  to  hear  70 

What  you  have  nobly  done. 
Cor.  Your  honours'  pardon  : 

1  had  rather  have  my  wounds  to  heal  again, 

Than  hear  say  how  I  got  them. 

62 


CORIOLANUS  Act  II.  Sc.  ii. 

Brn.  Sir,  I  hope 

My  words  disbench'd  you  not. 

Cor.  No,  sir:    yet  oft, 

When  blows  have  made  me  stay,  I  fled  from  words. 
You  sooth 'd  not,  therefore  hurt  not :  but  your  people, 
I  love  them  as  they  w^eigh. 

Men.  Pray  now,  sit  down. 

Cor.  I  had  rather  have  one  scratch  my  head  i'  the  sun    • 
When  the  alarum  were  struck  than  idly  sit 
To  hear  my  nothings  monster'd.  [Exit. 

Men.  Masters  of  the  people,    80 

Your  multiplying  spawn  how  can  he  flatter — 
That 's  thousand  to  one  good  one — when  you  now  see 
He  had  rather  venture  all  his  limbs  for  honour 
Than  one  on  's  ears  to  hear  it?    Proceed,  Cominius. 

Com.  I  shall  lack  voice :  the  deeds  of  Coriolanus 
Should  not  be  utter'd  feebly.     It  is  held 
That  valour  is  the  chiefest  virtue  and 
Most  dignifies  the  haver:   if  it  be, 
The  man  I  speak  of  cannot  in  the  world 
Be  singly  counterpoised.    At  sixteen  years,  90 

When  Tarquin  made  a  head  for  Rome,  he  fought 
Beyond  the  mark  of  others:   our  then  dictator, 
Whom  with  all  praise  I  point  at,  saw  him  fight, 
When  with  his  Amazonian  chin  he  drove 
The  bristled  lips  before  him:    he  bestrid 
An  o'er-press'd  Roman,  and  i'  the  consul's  view 
Slew  three  opposers:   Tarquin's  self  he  met. 
And  struck  him  on  his  knee:   in  that  day's  feats, 
When  he  might  act  the  woman  in  the  scene, 
He  proved  best  man  i'  the  field,  and  for  his  meed  100 
Was  brow-bound  with  the  oak.     His  pupil  age 

63 


Act  II.  Sc.  ii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Man-enter'd  thus,  he  waxed  Hke  a  sea ; 
And,  in  the  brunt  of  seventeen  battles  since, 
He  lurch'd  all  swords  of  the  garland.    For  this  last, 
Before  and  in  CorioH,  let  me  say, 
I  cannot  speak  him  home:   he  stopp'd  the  fliers; 
And  by  his  rare  example  made  the  coward 
Turn  terror  into  sport:    as  weeds  before 
■     A  vessel  under  sail,  so  men  obey'd, 

And  fell  below  his  stem:   his  sword,  death's  stamp, 
AVhere  it  did  mark,  it  took:  from  face  to  foot         iii 
He  was  a  thing  of  blood,  whose  every  motion 
Was  timed  with  dying  cries:   alone  he  enter'd 
The  mortal  gate  of  the  city,  which  he  painted 
With  shunless  destiny;   aidless  came  off. 
And  with  a  sudden  re-enforcement  struck 
Corioh  like  a  planet:    now  all's  his: 
When,  by  and  by,  the  din  of  war  gan  pierce 
His  ready  sense;   then  straight  his  doubled  spirit 
Re-quicken'd  what  in  flesh  was  fatigate,  120 

And  to  the  battle  came  he;   where  he  did 
Run  reeking  o'er  the  lives  of  men,  as  if 
'Twere  a  perpetual  spoil:   and  till  we  call'd 
Both  field  and  city  ours,  he  never  stood 


To  ease  his  breast  with  pant 


mg. 


Mcji.  Worthy  man! 

First  Soi.  He  cannot  but  with  measure  fit  the  honours 
Which  we  devise  him. 

Cojii.  Our  spoils  he  kick'd  at, 

And  look'd  upon  things  precious,  as  they  were 
The  common  muck  of  the  world:  he  covets  less 
Than  misery  itself  would  give;   rewards  130 

His  deeds  with  doing  them,  and  is  content 

64 


CORIOLANUS  Act  II.  Sc.  ii. 

To  spend  the  time  to  end  it. 
Men.  He  's  right  noble: 

Let  him  be  call'd  for. 
First  Sen.  Call  Coriolanus. 

Off.  He  doth  appear. 

Re-enter  Coriolanus. 

Men.  The  senate,  Coriolanus,  are  well  pleased 

To  make  thee  consul. 
Cor.  I  do  owe  them  still 

My  life  and  services. 
Men.  It  then  remains 

That  you  do  speak  to  the  people. 
Cor.  I  do  beseech  you, 

Let  me  o'erleap  that  custom,  for  I  cannot 

Put  on  the  gown,  stand  naked,  and  entreat  them,   140 

For  my  wotmds'  sake,  to  give  their  suffrage :   please 
you 

That  I  may  pass  this  doing. 
Sic.  Sir,  the  people 

Must  have  their  voices  ;  neither  will  they  bate 

One  jot  of  ceremony. 
Men.  Put  them  not  to  't : 

Pray  you,  go  fit  you  to  the  custom,  and 

Take  to  you,  as  your  predecessors  have, 

Your  honour  with  your  form. 
Cor.  It  is  a  part 

That  I  shall  blush  in  acting,  and  might  well 

Be  taken  from  the  people. 
Bru.  ]\Iark  you  that? 

Cor.  To  brag  unto  them,  thus  I  did,  and  thus;  150 

Show  them  the  unaching  scars  which  I  should  hide, 

65 


Act  II.  Sc.  iii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

As  if  I  had  received  them  for  the  hire 

Of  their  breath  only ! 
Men.  Do  not  stand  upon  't. 

We  recommend  to  you,  tribunes  of  the  people, 

Our  purpose  to  them :  and  to  our  noble  consul 

\Msh  we  all  joy  and  honour. 
Senators.  To  Coriolanus  come  all  joy  and  honour! 
[Flourish  of  cornets.    Exeunt  all  but  Sicinius  and  Brutus. 
Bru.  You  see  how  he  intends  to  use  the  people. 
Sic.   May  they  perceive  's  intent !     He  will  require  them, 

As  if  he  did  contemn  what  he  requested  i6o 

Should  be  in  them  to  give. 
Bru.  Come,  we  '11  inform  them 

Of  our  proceedings  here :    on  the  market-place, 

I  know,  they  do  attend  us.  [Exeunt. 

Scene  III. 

The  same.     The  Forum. 
Enter  seven  or  eight  Citizens. 

First  Cit.  Once,  if  he  do  require  our  voices,  we  ought     ' 
not  to  deny  him. 

Sec.  Cit.  We  may,  sir,  if  we  will. 

Third  Cit.  We  have  power  in  ourselves  to  do  It,  but 
it  is  a  power  that  we  have  no  power  to  do :  for 
if  he  show  us  his  wounds  and  tell  us  his  deeds, 
we  are  to  put  our  tongues  into  those  wounds 
and  speak  for  them :  so,  if  he  tell  us  his  noble 
deeds,  we  must  also  tell  him  our  noble  accept- 
ance of  them.  Ingratitude  is  monstrous  :  and  for  lo 
the  multitude  to  be  in  grateful,  were  to  make  a 
66 


CORIOLANUS  Act  II.  Sc.  iii. 

monster  of  the  multitude  ;  of  the  which  we  being 
members,  should  bring  ourselves  to  be  mon- 
strous members. 

First  Cit.  And  to  make  us  no  better  thought  of,  a 
little  help  will  serve ;  for  once  we  stood  up 
about  the  corn,  he  himself  stuck  not  to  call  us 
the  many-headed  multitude. 

Third  Cit.  We  have  been  called  so  of  many  ;  not  that 

our  heads  are  some  brown,  some  black,  some  20 
auburn,  some  bald,  but  that  our  wits  are  so 
diversely  coloured :  and  truly  I  think,  if  all  our 
wits  were  to  issue  out  of  one  skull,  they  would 
fly  east,  west,  north,  south,  and  their  consent  of 
one  direct  way  should  be  at  once  to  all  the  points 
o'  the  compass. 

Sec.  Cit.  Think  you  so  ?  Which  way  do  you  judge  my 
wit  would  fly? 

Third  Cit.   Xay,   your  wit   will  not   so  soon   out  as 

another  man's  will ;    'tis  strongly  wedged  up  in     30 
a  blockhead ;   but  if  it  were  at  liberty,  'twould, 
sure,  southward. 

Sec.  Cit.  Why  that  way  ? 

Third  Cit.  To  lose  itself  in  a  fog ;  where  being  three 
parts  melted  away  with  rotten  dew^s,  the  fourth 
would  return  for  conscience  sake,  to  help  to  get 
thee  a  wife. 

Sec.  Cit.  You  are  never  without  your  tricks :  you 
may,  you  may. 

Third  Cit.  Are  you  all  resolved  to  give  your  voices  ?     40 
But  that 's  no  matter,  the  greater  part  carries  it. 
I  say,  if  he  would  incline  to  the  people,  there 
was  never  a  worthier  man. 

^7 


Act  II.  Sc.  iii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Enter  Coriolamis  in  a  go-a'u  of  Jiuniility,  zcith  Mencniiis. 

Here  he  comes,  and  in  the  gown  of  humiUty : 
mark  his  behaviour.  \\q  are  not  to  stay  all 
together,  bnt  to  come  by  him  where  he  stands, 
by  ones,  by  twos,  and  by  threes.  He's  to  make 
his  requests  l)y  particulars ;  wherein  every  one 
of  us  has  a  single  honour,  in  giving  him  our 
own  voices  with  our  own  tongues :  therefore  50 
follow  me,  and  I  '11  direct  you  how  you  shall  go 
by  him. 

All.  Content,  content.  [Exeunt  Citizens. 

Men.  O  sir,  you  are  not  right :   have  you  not  known 

The  worthiest  men  have  done  't  ? 
Cor.  What  must  I  say  ? — 

'  I  pray,  sir,' — Plague  upon  't !     I  cannot  bring 

AI}'  tongue  to  such  a  pace.     '  Look,  sir,  my  wounds ! 

I  got  them  in  my  country's  service,  when 

Some  certain  of  your  brethren  roar'd,  and  ran 

From  the  noise  of  our  own  drums.' 
Men.  O  me,  the  gods!  60 

You  must  not  speak  of  that :  you  must  desire  them 

To  think  upon  you. 
Cor.  Think  upon  me  !  hang  'em  ! 

I  would  they  would  forget  me,  like  the  virtues 

Which  our  divines  lose  by  'em. 
Men.  You  '11  mar  all : 

I  11  leave  you :  pray  you,  speak  to  'em,  I  pray  you. 

In  wholesome  manner.  [Exit. 

Cor.  Bid  them  wash  their  faces. 

And  keep  their  teeth  clean.      [Re-enter  tivo  of  the 
Citij:ens.  ]      So,  here  comes  a  brace. 


CORIOLANUS  Act  II.  Sc.  iii. 

Rc-cjitcr  a  third  Citizen. 

You  know  the  cause,  sir,  of  my  standing  here. 
Third  Cit.   We  do,  sir :   tell  ns  what  hath  hrougiit  you 

to 't.  70 

Cor.   Aline  own  desert. 
Sec.  Cit.  Your  own  desert ! 
Cor.  Ay,  but  not  mine  own  desire. 
Third  Cit.  How!  not  your  own  desire! 
Cor.  No,  sir,  'twas  never  my  desire  yet  to  trouble  the 

poor  with  begging. 
Third  Cit.  You  must  think,  if  we  give  you  any  thing, 

we  hope  to  gain  by  you. 
Cor.  Well  then,  I  pray,  your  price  o'  the  consulship  ? 
First  Cit.  The  price  is,  to  ask  it  kindly.  80 

Cor.  Kindly  !   Sir,  I  pray,  let  me  ha  't :  I  have  wounds 

to  show  you,   which  shall  be  yours  in  private. 

Your  good  voice,  sir  ;   what  say  you  ? 
Sec.  Cit.  You  shall  ha  't,  worthy  sir. 
Cor.  A  match,  sir.    There  's  in  all  two  worthy  voices 

begged.    I  have  your  alms  :  adieu. 
Third  Cit.  But  this  is  something  odd. 
Sec.  Cit.  An  'twere  to  give  again, — but  'tis  no  matter. 

[Exeunt  the  three  Citizens. 

Re-enter  tico  other  Citizens. 

Cor.   Pray  you  now,  if  it  may  stand  with  the  tune  of 

your  voices  that  I  may  be  consul,  I  have  here  the     90 
customary  gown. 

Fourth  Cit.  You  have  deserved  nobly  of  your  country, 
and  you  have  not  desired  nobly. 

Cor.  Your  enigma? 

Foiirtli  Cit.  You  have  been  a  scourge  to  her  enemies, 

69 


Act  II.  Sc.  iii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

you  have  been  a  rod  to  her  friends ;    you  have 

,         not  indeed  loved  the  common  people. 

Cor.  You  should  account  me  the  more  virtuous,  that 
I  have  not  been  common  in  my  love.  I  will, 
sir,  flatter  my  sworn  brother,  the  people,  to  lOO 
earn  a  dearer  estimation  of  them  ;  'tis  a  condi- 
tion they  account  gentle :  and  since  the  wisdom 
of  their  choice  is  rather  to  have  my  hat  than  my 
heart,  I  will  practise  the  insinuating  nod,  and 
be  off  to  them  most  counterfeitly ;  that  is,  sir,  I 
will  counterfeit  the  bewitchment  of  some  popular 
man,  and  give  it  bountiful  to  the  desirers.  There- 
fore, beseech  you,  I  may  be  consul. 

Fifth  Cif.  We   hope   to   find   you    our    friend ;    and 

therefore  give  you  our  voices  heartily.  iic 

Fourth  Cit.  You  have  received  many  wounds  for 
your  country. 

Cor.  I  will  not  seal  your  knowledge  with  showing 
them.  I  will  make  much  of  your  voices,  and 
so  trouble  you  no  farther. 

Both  Cif.  The  gods  give  you  joy,  sir,  heartily!      [Exeunt. 

Cor.  Alost  sweet  voices ! 

Better  it  is  to  die,  better  to  starve. 
Than  crave  the  hire  which  first  we  do  deserve. 
Why  in  this  woolvish  toge  should  I  stand  here ;     120 
To  beg  of  Hob  and  Dick  that  do  appear, 
Their  needless  vouches  ?    Custom  calls  me  to  't : 
What  custom  wills,  in  all  things  should  we  do  't, 
The  dust  on  antique  time  would  lie  unswept. 
And  mountainous  error  be  too  highly  heap'd 
For  truth  to  o'er-peer.    Rather  than  fool  it  so, 
Let  the  high  office  and  the  honour  go 
70 


CORIOLANUS  Act  II.  Sc.  iii. 

To  one  that  would  do  thus.     I  am  half  through : 
The  one  part  suffer'd,  the  other  will  I  do. 

Re-enter  three  Citizens  more. 

Here  come  moe  voices.  130 

Your  voices :   for  your  voices  I  have  fought ; 
Watch'd  for  your  voices ;   for  your  voices  bear 
Of  wounds  two  dozen  odd ;   battles  thrice  six 
I  have  seen,  and  heard  of ;   for  your  voices  have 
Done  many  things,  some  less,  some  more  :  your  voices : 
Indeed,  I  would  be  consul. 

Sixth  Cit.  He  has  done  nobly,  and  cannot. go  without 
any  honest  man's  voice. 

Seventh  Cit.  Therefore  let  him  be  consul :   the  gods 

give  him  joy,  and  make  him  good  friend  to  the  140 
people ! 

All.  Amen,  amen.     God  save  thee,  noble  consul ! 

[Exeunt. 

Cor.  Worthy  voices ! 

Re-enter  Meneniiis,  li'ith  Brutus  and  Sicinius. 

Men.  You  have  stood  your  limitation  ;  and  the  tribunes 
Endue  you  with  the  people's  voice :   remains 
That  in  the  official  marks  invested  you 
Anon  do  meet  the  senate. 

Cor.  Is  this  done? 

Sic.  The  custom  of  request  you  have  discharged : 
The  people  do  admit  you,  and  are  summon'd 
To  meet  anon  upon  your  approbation.  150 

Cor.  Where?   at  the  senate-house? 

Sic.  There,  Coriolanus. 

Cor.  May  1  change  these  garments  ? 

71 


Act  II.  Sc.  iii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Sic.  You  may,  sir. 

Cor.  That  I  '11  straight  do,  and,  knowing  myself  again, 

Repair  to  the  senate-house. 
Men.  I  '11  keep  you  company.     Will  you  along  ? 
Bru.  We.  stay  here  for  the  people. 
Sic.  Fare  you  well. 

[EA'eunt  Coriolanus  and  Menenius. 

He  has  it  now ;   and,  by  his  looks,  methinks 

Tis  warm  at 's  heart. 
Bru.  With  a  proud  heart  he  wore 

His  humble  weeds.     Will  you  dismiss  the  people  ? 

Re-enter  Cithens. 

Sic.  How  now,  my  masters !   have  you  chose  this  man  ? 

First  Cit.  He  has  our  voices,  sir.  i6i 

Bru.  We  pray  the  gods  he  may  deserve  your  loves. 

Sec.  Cit.  Amen,  sir :  to  my  poor  unworthy  notice. 
He  mock'd  us  when  he  begg'd  our  voices. 

Third  Cit.  Certainly 

He  flouted  us  downright. 

First  Cit.  No,  'tis  his  kind  of  speech  ;  he  did  not  mock  us. 

Sec.  Cit.  Not  one  amongst  us,  save  yourself,  but  says 
He  used  us  scornfully :  he  should  have  show'd  us 
His  marks  of  merit,  wounds  received  for  's  country. 

Sic.  Why,  so  he  did,  I  am  sure.  i/o 

Citizens.  No,  no ;   no  man  saw  'em. 

Third  Cit.  He  said  he  had  wounds  which  he  could  show 
in  private ; 
And  with  his  hat,  thus  waving  it  in  scorn, 
*  I  would  be  consul,'  says  he :   '  aged  custom, 
But  by  your  voices,  will  not  so  permit  me ; 
Your  voices  therefore.'     When  we  granted  that, 

72 


CORIOLANUS  Act  II.  Sc.  iii. 

Here  was  '  I  thank  you  for  your  voices  :  thank  you  : 

Your  most  sweet  voices:    now  }ou  have  left  your 

voices, 
I  have  no  further  with  you.'    Was  not  this  mockery? 

Sic.  Why,  either  were  you  ignorant  to  see  't,  i8o 

Or,  seeing  it,  of  such  childish  friendliness 
To  yield  your  voices? 

Bni.  Could  you  not  have  told  him, 

As  you  were  lesson'd,  when  he  had  no  power, 
But  was  a  petty  servant  to  the  state, 
He  was  your  enemy  ;  ever  spake  against 
Your  liberties  and  the  charters  that  you  bear 
r  the  body  of  the  weal:   and  now,  arriving 
A  place  of  potency  and  sway  o'  the  state. 
If  he  should  still  malignantly  remain 
Fast  foe  to  the  plebeii,  your  voices  might  190 

Be  curses  to  yourselves?    You  should  have  said, 
That  as  his  worthy  deeds  did  claim  no  less 
Than  what  he  stood  for,  so  his  gracious  nature 
Would  think  upon  you  for  your  voices,  and 
Translate  his  maHce  towards  you  into  love, 
Standing  your  friendly  lord. 

Sic.  Thus  to  have  said, 

As  you  were  fore-advised,  had  touch'd  his  spirit 
And  tried  his  inclination;   from  him  pluck'd 
Either  his  gracious  promise,  which  you  might. 
As  cause  had  call'd  you  up,  have  held  him  to;        200 
Or  else  it  would  have  gallVl  his  surly  nature, 
Which  easily  endures  not  article 
Tying  him  to  aught :   so,  putting  him  to  rage. 
You  should  have  ta'en  the  advantage  of  his  choler, 
And  pass'd  him  unelected. 

73 


Act  II.  Sc.  iii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Bni.  Did  you  perceive 

He  did  solicit  you  in  free  contempt 
When  he  did  need  your  loves;   and  do  you  think 
That  his  contempt  shall  not  be  bruising  to  you 
When  he  hath  power  to  crush  ?    Why,  had  your  bodies 
No  heart  among  you  ?  or  had  you  tongues  to  cry 
Against  the  rectorship  of  judgement?  211 

Sic.  Have  you, 

Ere  now,  denied  the  asker?   and  now  again, 
Of  him  that  did  not  ask  but  mock,  bestow 
Your  sued-for  tongues? 

Third  Cit.  He  's  not  confirm'd;  we  may  deny  him  yet. 

Sec.  Cit.  And  will  deny  him: 

I  '11  have  five  hundred  voices  of  that  sound. 

First  Cit.  I  twice  five  hundred,  and  their  friends  to  piece 
'em. 

Bnt.  Get  you  hence  instantly,  and  tell  those  friends. 

They  have  chose  a  consul  that  will  from  them  take 
Their  liberties,  make  them  of  no  more  voice        221 
Than  dogs  that  are  as  often  beat  for  barking, 
As  therefore  kept  to  do  so. 

Si^.  Let  them  assemble; 

And,  on  a  safer  judgement,  all  revoke 
Your  ignorant  election :   enforce  his  pride 
And  his  old  hate  unto  you:   besides,  forget  not 
With  what  contempt  he  wore  the  humble  weed, 
How  in  his  suit  he  scorn'd  you:    but  your  loves, 
Thinking  upon  his  services,  took  from  you 
The  apprehension  of  his  present  portance,  230 

Which  most  gibingly,  ungravely,  he  did  fashion 
After  the  inveterate  hate  he  bears  you. 

Bru.  Lay 

74 


CORIOLANUS  Act  II.  Sc.  iii. 

A  fault  on  us,  your  tribunes  ;  that  we  labour'd, 
No  impediment  between,  but  that  you  must 
Cast  your  election  on  him. 

Sic.  Say,  you  chose  him 

More  after  our  commandment  than  as  guided 
By  your  own  true  affections  :  and  that  your  minds, 
Pre-occupied  with  what  you  rather  must  do 
Than  what  you  should,  made  you  against  the  grain 
To  voice  him  consul :   lay  the  fault  on  us.  240 

BriL  Ay,  spare  us  not.     Say  we  read  lectures  to  you, 
How  youngly  he  began  to  serve  I-is  country, 
How  long  continued  ;  and  what  stock  he  springs  of, 
The  noble  house  o'  the  Marcians,  from  whence  came 
That  Ancus  Marcius,  Xuma's  daughter's  son, 
Who,  after  great  Hostilius,  here  was  king ; 
Of  the  same  house  Publius  and  Quintus  were, 
That  our  best  water  brought  by  conduits  hither  ; 
And  [Censorinus]  nobly  named  so, 
Twice  being  [by  the  people  chosen]  censor,  250 

Was  his  great  ancestor. 

Sic.  One  thus  descended. 

That  hath  beside  well  in  his  person  wrought 
To  be  set  high  in  place,  we  did  commend 
To  your  remembrances  :  but  you  have  found, 
Scaling  his  present  bearing  with  his  past. 
That  he  's  your  fixed  enemy,  and  revoke 
Your  sudden  approbation. 

Bru.  Say,  you  ne'er  had  done  't — 

Harp  on  that  still — but  by  our  putting  on : 
And  presently,  when  you  have  drawn  your  number, 
Repair  to  the  Capitol. 

Citizens.  We  will  so :  almost  all  260 

75 


Act  III.  Sc.  i.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Repent  in  their  election.  [Exeunt  Cifir'::e)is. 

Br II.  Let  them  go  on  ; 

This  mutiny  were  better  put  in  hazard, 

Than  stay,  past  doubt,  for  greater : 

If,  as  his  nature  is,  he  fall  in  rage 

With  their  refusal,  both  observe  and  answer 

The  vantage  of  his  anger. 
Sic.  To  the  Capitol,  come : 

We  will  be  there  before  the  stream  o'  the  people ; 

And  this  shall  seem,  as  partly  'tis,  their  own, 

Which  we  have  goaded  onward.  [Exeunt. 


ACT  THIRD. 
Scene  I. 

Rome.     A  street. 

Cornets.     Enter  Coriolaniis,  Mcncnins,  all  the  Gentry, 
Cominius,  Titus  Lartius,  and  other  Senators. 

Cor.  Tullus  Aufidius  then  had  made  new  head? 
Lart.  He  had,  my  lord  ;  and  that  it  was  which  caused 

Our  swifter  composition. 
Cor.  So  then  the  Volsces  stand  but  as  at  first ; 

Ready,  when  time  shall  prompt  them,  to  make  road 

Upon  's  again. 
Com.  They  are  worn,  lord  consul,  so, 

That  we  shall  hardly  in  our  ages  see 

Their  banners  wave  again. 
Cor.  Saw  you  Aufidius  ? 

Lart.  On  safe-guard  he  came  to  me ;  and  did  curse 

Against  the  Volsces,  for  they  had  so  vilely  lo 

Yielded  the  town  :  he  is  retired  to  Antium. 

76 


CORIOLANUS  Act  III.  Sc.  i. 

Cor.   Spoke  he  of  me? 

Lart.  He  did,  my  lord. 

Cor.  How?   what? 

Larf.  How  often  he  had  met  you,  sword  to  sword ; 

That  of  all  things  upon  the  earth  he  hated 

Your  person  most ;   that  he  would  pawn  his  fortunes 

To  hopeless  restitution,  so  he  might 

Be  call'd  your  vanquisher. 
Cor.  At  Antium  lives  he? 

Lart.  At  Antium. 
Cor.  I  wish  I  had  a  cause  to  seek  him  there. 

To  oppose  his  hatred  fully.     Welcome  home.  20 

Enter  Sicinius  and  Brutus. 

Behold,  these  are  the  tribunes  of  the* people, 

The  tongues  o'  the  common  mouth :    I   do  despise 
them ; 

For  they  do  prank  them  in  authority, 

Against  all  noble  sufiferance. 
Sic.  Pass  no  further. 

Cor.  Ha!   what  is  that? 

Brii.  It  will  be  dangerous  to  go  on :   no  further. 
Cor.  What  makes  this  change? 
Men.  The  matter? 

Com.  Hath  he  not  pass'd  the  noble  and  the  common? 
Bru.  Cominius,  no. 

Cor.  Have  I  had  children's  voices?  30 

First  Sen.  Tribunes,  give  way ;    he  shall  to  the  market- 
place. 
Bru.  The  people  are  incensed  against  him. 
Sic.  Stop, 

Or  all  will  fall  in  broil. 

77 


Act  III.  Sc.  i.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Cor.  Are  these  your  herd? 

Must  these  have  voices,  that  can  yield  them  now, 

And  straight  disclaim  their  tongues  ?    What  are  your 
offices  ? 

You  being  their  mouths,  why  rule  you  not  their  teetl:  ? 

Have  you  not  set  them  on  ? 
Men.  Be  cahri,  be  calm. 

Cor.  It  is  a  purposed  thing,  and  grows  by  plot, 

To  curb  the  will  of  the  nobihty  : 

Suffer  't,  and  live  with  such  as  cannot  rule,  40 

Nor  ever  will  be  ruled. 
Bru.  Call  't  not  a  plot  : 

The  people  cry  you  mock'd  them  ;   and  of  late. 

When  corn  was  given  them  gratis,  you  repined, 

Scandal'd  the  suppliants  for  the  people,  call'd  them 

Time-pleasers,  flatterers,  foes  to  nobleness. 
Cor.  Why,  this  was  known  before. 
Bru.  Xot  to  them  all. 

Cor.   Have  you  informed  them  sithence? 
Bru.  How  !    I  inform  them  ! 

Com.  You  are  like  to  do  such  business. 
Bru.  Xot  unlike. 

Each  way,  to  better  yours. 
Cor.  Why  then  should  I  be  consul?     By  yond  clouds. 

Let  me  deserve  so  ill  as  von,  and  make  me  51 

Your  fellow  tribune. 
Sic.  You  show  too  much  of  that 

For  which  the  people  stir :   if  you  will  pass 

To  where  you  are  bound,  you  must  inquire  your  way, 

Which  you  are  out  of,  with  a  gentler  spirit ; 

Or  never  be  so  noble  as  a  consul, 

Nor  yoke  with  him  for  tribune. 

78 


CORIOLANUS  Act  III.  Sc.  i. 

Men.  Let 's  be  calm. 

Com.  The  people  are  abused  ;  set  on.    This  paltering 
Becomes  not  Rome ;  nor  has  Coriolanus 
Deserved  this  so  dishonoured  rub,  laid  falsely  60 

r  the  plain  way  of  his  merit. 

Cor.  Tell  me  of  corn ! 

This  was  my  speech,  and  I  will  speak  't  again — 

Men.  Xot  now,  not  now. 

First  Sen.  Not  in  this  heat,  sir,  now. 

Cor.   Now,  as  I  live,  I  will.     My  nobler  friends, 
I  crave  their  pardons  : 

For  the  mutable,  rank-scented  many,  let  them 
Regard  me  as  I  do  not  flatter,  and  ' 

Therein  behold  themselves  :  I  say  again, 
In  soothing  them,  we  nourish  'gainst  our  senate 
The  cockle  of  rebellion,  insolence,  sedition,  70 

Which  we  ourselves  have  plough'd  for,  sow'd  and 

scatter'd, 
By  mingling  them  with  us,  the  honour'd  number  ; 
Who  lack  not  virtue,  no,  nor  power,  but  that 
Which  they  have  given  to  beggars. 

Men.  Well,  no  more. 

First  Sen.  No  more  words,  we  beseech  you. 
Cor.  How  !  no  more  ! 

As  for  my  country  I  have  shed  my  blood. 
Not  fearing  outward  force,  so  shall  my  lungs 
Coin  words  till  their  decay  against  those  measles. 
Which  we  disdain  should  tetter  us,  yet  sought 
The  very  way  to  catch  them. 
Bni,  You  speak  o' the  people,  80 

As  if  you  were  a  god  to  punish,  not 
A  man  of  their  infirmity. 
79 


Act  III.  Sc.  i.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Sic.  'Twere  well 

We  let  the  people  know  't. 

Men.  "VMiat,  what  ?  his  choler  ? 

Cor.  Choler! 

Were  I  as  patient  as  the  midnight  sleep, 
By  Jove,  'twould  be  my  mind  ! 

Sic.  It  Is  a  mind 

That  shall  remain  a  poison  where  it  is, 
Not  poison  any  further. 

Cor.  Shall  remain  ! 

Hear  you  this  Triton  of  the  minnows  ?  mark  you 
His  absolute  '  shall  '  ? 

Com.  Twas  from  the  canon. 

Cor.  '  Shall ' !  90 

O  good,  but  most  unwise  patricians  !  why, 
You  grave  but  reckless  senators,  have  you  thus 
Given  Hydra  here  to  choose  an  officer, 
That  with  his  peremptory  '  shall,'  being  but 
The  horn  and  noise  o'  the  monster's,  wants  not  spirit 
To  say  he  '11  turn  your  current  in  a  ditch, 
And  make  your  channel  his  ?    If  he  have  p^wer, 
Then  vail  your  ignorance ;   if  none,  awake 
Your  dangerous  lenity.     If  you  are  learn'd, 
Be  not  as  common  fools  ;  if  you  are  not,  100 

Let  them  have  cushions  by  you.     You  are  plebeians. 
If  they  be  senators  :  and  they  are  no  less, 
Wlien,  both  your  voices  blended,  the  great'st  taste 
Most  palates  theirs.     They  choose  their  magistrate ; 
And  such  a  one  as  he,  who  puts  his  '  shall' 
His  popular  '  shall,'  against  a  graver  bench 
Than  ever  frown 'd  in  Greece.    By  Jove  himself, 
It  makes  the  consuls  base !  and  my  soul  aches 
80 


CORIOLANUS  Act  III.  Sc.  i. 

To  know,  when  two  authorities  are  up, 

Neither  supreme,  how  soon  confusion  lio 

May  enter  'twixt  the  gap  of  both  and  take 

The  one  by  the  other. 

Com.  Well,  on  to  the  market-place. 

Cor.  Whoever  gave  that  counsel,  to  give  forth 
The  corn  o'  the  storehouse  gratis,  as  'twas  used 
Sometime  in  Greece, — 

Mill.  ^^'ell,  well,  no  more  of  that. 

Cor.  Though  there  the  people  had  more  absolute  power, 
I  say,  they  nourish'd  disobedience,  fed 
The  ruin  of  the  state. 

Bru.  Why,  shall  the  people  give 

One  that  speaks  thus  their  voice? 

Cor.  I  '11  give  my  reasons. 

More  worthier  than  their  voices.     They  know  the  corn 
Was  not  our  recompense,  resting  well  assured     121 
They  ne'er  did  service  for  't :  being  press'd  to  the  war, 
Even  when  the  navel  of  the  state  was  touch'd. 
They  would  not  thread  the  gates.    This  kind  of  service 
Did  not  deserve  corn  gratis:    being  i' the  war, 
Their  mutinies  and  revolts,  wherein  they  show'd 
Most  valour,  spoke  not  for  them:   the  accusation 
Which  they  have  often  made  against  the  senate, 
All  cause  unborn,  could  never  be  the  native 
Of  our  so  frank  donation.     Well,  what  then?        130 
How  shall  this  bosom  multiplied  digest 
The  senate's  courtesy?    Let  deeds  express 
What 's  like  to  be  their  words:     '  We  did  request  it; 
We  are  the  greater  poll,  and  in  true  fear 
They  gave  us  our  demands.'    Thus  we  debase 
The  nature  of  our  seats,  and  make  the  rabble 
81 


Act  III.  Sc.  i.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Call  our  cares  fears;   which  will  in  time 
Break  ope  the  locks  o'  the  senate,  and  bring  in 
The  crows  to  peck  the  eagles. 

Men,  Come,  enough. 

Bni.  Enough,  with  over  measure. 

Cor.  No,' take  more:  140 

What  may  be  sworn  by,  both  divine  and  human. 
Seal  what  I  end  withal!    This  double  worship. 
Where  one  part  does  disdain  with  cause,  the  other 
Insult  without  all  reason  ;  where  gentry,  title,  wisdom, 
Cannot  conclude  but  by  the  yea  and  no 
Of  general  ignorance, — it  must  omit 
Real  necessities,  and  give  way  the  while 
To  unstable  slightness:  purpose  so  barr'd,  it  follows, 
Nothing  is  done  to  purpose.  Therefore,  beseech  you, — 
You  that  will  be  less  fearful  than  discreet;         150 
That  love  the  fundamental  part  of  state 
More  than  you  doubt  the  change  on't;   that  prefer 
A  noble  life  before  a  long,  and  wish 
To  jump  a  body  with  a  dangerous  physic 
That 's  sure  of  death  without  it, — at  once  pluck  out 
The  multitudinous  tongue ;   let  them  not  lick 
The  sweet  which  is  their  poison.     Your  dishonour 
Mangles  true  judgement  and  bereaves  the  state 
Of  that  integrity  which  should  become  't ; 
Not  having  the  power  to  do  the  good  it  would,    160 
For  the  ill  which  doth  control  't. 

Brii.  Has  said  enough. 

Sic.  Has  spoken  like  a  traitor,  and  shall  answer 
As  traitors  do. 

Cor.  Thou  wretch,  despite  o'erwhelm  thee! 

What  should  the  people  do  with  these  bald  tribunes? 
82 


CORIOLANUS  Act  III.  Sc.  L 

On  whom  depending,  their  obedience  fails 

To  the  greater  bench:  in  a  rebelhon, 

When  what  "s  not  meet,  but  what  must  be,  was  law. 

Then  were  they  chosen  :    in  a  better  hour, 

Let  what  is  meet  be  said  it  must  be  meet,  170 

And  throw  their  power  i'  the  dust, 
Bru.  ^Manifest  treason  ! 
Sic.  This  a  consul  ?    no. 

Bru.  The  sediles,  ho  ! 

Enter  an  zEdile. 

Let  him  be  apprehended. 
Sic.  Go,  call  the  people:    [Exit  ^dilc]   in  whose  name 
myself 

Attach  thee  as  a  traitorous  innovator, 

A  foe  to  the  public  weal :   obey,  I  charge  thee. 

And  follow  to  thine  answer. 
Cor.  Hence,  old  goat ! 

Senators,  etc.  We  '11  surety  him. 

Com.  Aged  sir,  hands  off. 

Cor.  Hence,  rotten  thing !  or  I  shall  shake  thy  bones 

Out  of  thy  garments. 
Sic.  Help,  ye  citizens !  180 

Enter  a  rabble  cf  Citizens,  zcith  the  ALdiles. 

Men.  On  both  sides  more  respect. 

Sic.  Here  's  he  that  would  take  from  you  all  your  power. 

Bru.   Seize  him,  sediles  ! 

Citizens.   Down  with  him  !    down  with  him  ! 

Senators,  etc.  Weapons,  weapons,  weapons  ! 

[They  all  bustle  about  Coriolanus,  crying, 
'  Tribunes  !  '  '  Patricians  !  '  '  Citizens  !  '  '  What,  ho ! ' 
'  Sicinius  !  '    '  Brutus  !  '    '  Coriolanus  !  '    '  Citizens  ! ' 

83 


Act  III.  Sc.  i.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

'  Peace,  peace,  peace  !  '     '  Stay !   hold !    peace ! ' 
Men.  What  is  about  to  be?     I  am  out  of  breath. 

Confusion  's  near.     I  canraot  speak.     You,  tribunes 

To  the  people  !     Coriolanus,  patience  !  191 

Speak,  good  Sicinius. 
Sic.  Hear  me,  people  ;    peace  ! 

Citizens.  Let  's  hear  our  tribune  :    peace  ! — Speak,  speak, 

speak. 
Sic.  You  are  at  point  to  lose  your  liberties  : 

Marcius  would  have  all  from  you  ;    ]\Iarcius, 

Wliom  late  you  have  named  for  consul. 
Men.  Fie,  fie,  fie! 

This  is  the  way  to  kindle,  not  to  quench. 
First  Sen.   To  unbuild  the  city,  and  to  lay  all  flat. 
Sic.  What  is  the  city  but  the  people  ? 
Citizens.  True, 

The  people  are  the  city.  200 

Bni.  By  the  consent  of  all,  we  were  establish'd 

The  people's  magistrates. 
Citizens.  You  so  remain. 

Men.  And  so  are  like  to  do. 
Com.  That  is  the  way  to  lay  the  city  flat. 

To  bring  the  roof  to  the  foundation. 

And  bury  all  which  yet  distinctly  ranges. 

In  heaps  and  piles  of  ruin. 
Sic,  This  deserves  death. 

Brii.  Or  let  us  stand  to  our  authority, 

Or  let  us  lose  it.     We  do  here  pronounce. 

Upon  the  part  o'  the  people,  in  whose  power         210 

We  were  elected  theirs,  ]\Iarcius  is  worthy 

Of  present  death. 
Sic.  Therefore  lay  hold  of  him  ; 

84 


CORIOLANUS  Act  III.  Sc.  i. 

Rear  him  to  the  rock  Tarpeian,  and  from  thence 

Tiito  destruction  cast  him. 
Bru.  ^diles,  seize  him  ! 

Citizens.  Yield,  Marcius,  yield ! 
Men.  Hear  me  one  word  ; 

Beseech  you,  tribunes,  hear  me  but  a  word. 
JEdiles.  Peace,  peace ! 

Men.    [To  Brutus]    Be  that  you  seem,  truly  your  country's 
friend. 

And  temperately  proceed  to  what  you  would 

Thus  violently  redress. 
Brii.  Sir,  those  cold  ways,  220 

That  seem  like  prudent  helps,  are  very  poisonous 

Where  the  disease  is  violent.     Lay  hands  upon  him. 

And  bear  him  to  the  rock. 
Cor,  Xo,  I  '11  die  here.      [Draz^'ing  his  sword. 

There  's  some  among  you  have  beheld  me  fighting : 

Come,  try  upon  yourselves  what  you  have  seen  me. 
Men.  Down  with  that  sword  !    Tribunes,  withdraw  awhile. 
Bru.  Lay  hands  upon  him. 
Aien.  Help  ^larcius,  help. 

You  that  be  noble ;   help  him,  young  and  old ! 
Citizens.  Down  with  him,  down  with  him ! 

[In  this  mutiny,  the  Tribunes,  the  Aidiles, 
and  the  People  are  heat  in. 
Men.  Go,  get  you  to  your  house  ;  be  gone,  away  !         230 

All  will  be  naught  else. 
Sec.  Sen.  Get  you  gone. 

Com.  Stand  fast ; 

We  have  as  many  friends  as  enemies. 
Men.  Shall  it  be  put  to  that? 
First  Sen,  The  gods  forbid ! 

85 


Act  III.  Sc.  i.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

I  prithee,  noble  friend,  home  to  thy  house; 

Leave  us  to  cure  this  cause. 
Men.  :■:   For  'tis  a  sore  upon  us 

You  cannot  tent  yourself  :  be  ^^one,  beseech  you. 
Com.  (Lome,  sir,  along  with  us. 
Cor.  I  would  they  were  barbarians — as  they  are, 

Though  in  Rom.e  litter'd — not  Romans — as  they  are 
not, 

Though  cah^ed  i'  the  porch  o'  the  Capitol, — 
Men.  Be  gone :     240 

Put  not  your  worthy  rage  into  your  tongue : 

One  time  will  owe  another. 
Cor.  On  fair  ground 

I  could  beat  forty  of  them. 
Men.  I  could  myself 

Take  up  a  brace  o'  the  best  of  them  ;    yea,  the  two 
tribunes. 
Com.  But  now  'tis  odds  beyond  arithmetic ; 

And  manhood  is  call'd  foolery,  when  it  stands 

Against  a  falling  fabric.     Will  you  hence 

Before  the  tag  return  ?   whose  rage  doth  rend 

Like  interrupted  waters,  and  o'erbear 

What  they  are  used  to  bear. 
Men.  Pray  you,  be  gone  :     250 

I  '11  try  whether  my  old  wit  be  in  request 

\\' ith  those  that  have  but  little :    this  must  be  patch'd 

With  cloth  of  any  colour. 
Com.  Xay,  come  away. 

[E.veunt  Coriolanus,  Comiuiiis,  and  others. 
First  Patrician.  This  man  has  marr'd  his  fortune. 
Men.  His  nature  is  too  noble  for  the  world : 

He  would  not  flatter  Neptune  for  his  trident. 


CORIOLANUS  Act  III.  Sc.  i. 

Or  Jove  for  's  power  to  thunder.     His  heart 's  his 
mouth : 

What  his  breast  forges,  that  his  tongue  must  vent ; 

And,  being  angry,  does  forget  that  ever 

He  heard  the  name  of  death.      [A  noise  z^'itliiii.     260 

Here  's  goodly  work  ! 
Sec.  Pat.  I  would  they  were  a-bed  ! 

Men.  I  would  they  were  in  Tiber !    What,  the  vengeance. 

Could  he  not  speak  'em  fair  ? 

Re-enter  Brutus  and  Sicinins,  zvitJi  the  rabble. 

Sic.  Where  is  this  viper, 

That  would  depopulate  the  city,  and 

Be  every  man  himself  ? 
Men.  You  worthy  tribunes — 

Sic.  He  shall  be  thrown  down  the  Tarpeian  rock 

With  rigorous  hands  :  he  hath  resisted  law, 

And  therefore  law  shall  scorn  him  further  trial 

Than  the  severity  of  the  public  power. 

Which  he  so  sets  at  nought. 
First  Cit.  He  shall  well  know       270 

The  noble  tribunes  are  the  people's  mouths. 

And  we  their  hands. 
Citizens.  He  shall,  sure  on  't. 
Men.  Sir,  sir, — 

Sic.  Peace! 
Men.  Do  not  cry  havoc,  where  you  should  but  hunt 

With  modest  warrant. 
Sic.  Sir,  how  comes  't  that  you 

Have  holp  to  make  this  rescue  ? 
Men.  Hear  me  speak: 

As  I  do  know  the  consul's  worthiness, 

87 


Act  III.  Sc.  i.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

So  can  I  name  his  faults, — 

Sic.  Consul !  what  consul  ? 

Men.  The  consul  Coriolanus. 

Brii.  He  consul !  280 

Citizens.  Xo,  no,  no,  no,  no. 

Men.  If,  by  the  tribunes'  leave,  and  yours,  good  people, 
I  may  be  heard,  I  would  crave  a  word  or  two ; 
The  which  shall  turn  you  to  no  further  harm 
Than  so  much  loss  of  time. 

Sic.  Speak  briefly  then  ; 

For  we  are  peremptory  to  dispatch 
This  viperous  traitor :  to  eject  him  hence 
\\  ere  but  one  danger,  and  to  keep  him  here 
Our  certain  death  :  therefore  it  is  decreed 
He  dies  to-night. 

Men.  Now  the  good  gods  forbid  290 

That  our  renowned  Rome,  whose  gratitude 
Towards  her  deserved  children  is  enroll'd 
In  Jove's  own  book,  like  an  unnatural  dam 
Should  now  eat  up  her  own  ! 

Sic.  He  's  a  disease  that  must  be  cut  away. 

Men.  O,  he  's  a  lim.b  that  has  but  a  disease ; 
Mortal,  to  cut  it  off ;   to  cure  it,  easy. 
What  has  he  done  to  Rome  that 's  worthy  death? 
Killing  our  enemies,  the  blood  he  hath  lost — 
Which,  I  dare  vouch,  is  more  than  that  he  hath      300 
By  many  an  ounce — he  dropp'd  it  for  his  country ; 
And  what  is  left,  to  lose  it  by  his  country 
Were  to  us  all  that  do  't  and  suffer  it 
A  brand  to  the  end  o'  the  world. 

Sic.  This  is  clean  kam. 

Brii.  Merelv  awrv:  when  he  did  love  his  countrv, 


CORIOLANUS  Act  III.  Sc.  i. 

It  honour'd  him. 
Men.  The  service  of  the  foot 

Being  once  gangrened,  is  not  then  respected 

For  what  before  it  was. 
Bnt.  We  '11  hear  no  more. 

Pursue  him  to  his  house,  and  pluck  him  thence ; 

Lest  his  infection,  being  of  catching  n?.ture.  310 

Spread  further. 
Men.  One  word  more,  one  word. 

This  tiger-footed  rage,  when  it  shall  find 

The  harm  of  unscann'd  swiftness,  will,  too  late. 

Tie  leaden  pounds  to  's  heels.     Proceed  by  process; 

Lest  parties,  as  he  is  beloved,  break  out, 

And  sack  great  Rome  with  Romans. 
Bn{.  If  it  w^ere  so — 

Sic.  A\'hat  do  ye  talk? 

Plave  we  not  had  a  taste  of  his  obedience? 

Our  sediles  smote?   ourselves  resisted?     Come. 
Men.  Consider  this:   he  has  been  bred  i'  the  wars       320 

Since  he  could  draw  a  sword,  and  is  ill  school'd 

In  bolted  language ;  meal  and  bran  together 

He  throws  without  distinction.     Give  me  leave, 

I  '11  go  to  him,  and  undertake  to  bring  him 

Where  he  shall  answer,  by  a  lawful  form, 

In  peace,  to  his  utmost  peril. 
First  Sen.  Noble  tribunes. 

It  is  the  humane  way  :  the  other  course 

Will  prove  too  bloody;   and  the  end  of  it 

L'nknown  to  the  beginning. 
Sic.  Xoble  ]\Ienenius, 

Be  you  then  as  the  people's  officer.  330 

Masters,  lay  down  your  weapons. 

89 


Act  III.  Sc.  ii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Brii.  Go  not  home. 

Sic.  Meet  on  the  market-place.     We '11  attend  you  there: 

Where,  if  you  bring  not  Marcius,  we  '11  proceed 

In  our  first  way. 
Men.  I  '11  bring  him  to  you. 

[To  the  Senators]    Let  me  desire  your  company:   he 
must  come, 

Or  what  is  worst  will  follow. 
First  Sen.  Pray  you,  let 's  to  him. 

[Exeunt. 

Scene  II. 

A  room  in  Coriolanus's  Jiouse. 
Enter  Coriolanus  i^'ith  Patricians. 

Cor.  Let  them  pull  all  about  mine  ears;   present  me 
Death  on  the  wdieel,  or  at  wild  horses'  heels; 
Or  pile  ten  hills  on  the  Tarpeian  rock, 
That  the  precipitation  might  down  stretch 
Below  the  beam  of  sight;    yet  will  I  still 
Be  thus  to  them. 

A  Patrician.  You  do  the  nobler. 

Cor.  I  muse  my  mother 

Does  not  approve  me  further,  who  was  wont 

To  call  them  woollen  vassals,  things  created 

To  buy  and  sell  with  groats,  to  show  bare  heads     lo 

In  congregations,  to  yawn,  be  still  and  wonder, 

When  one  but  of-my  ordinance  stood  up 

To  speak  of  peace  or  war. 

Enter  Vohinmia. 

I  talk  of  you  : 
Why  did  you  wish  me  milder?  would  you  nave  me 

90 


CORIOLANUS  Act  HI.  Sc.  ii. 

False  to  my  nature?     Rather  say,  I  play 

The  man  I  am. 
Vol.  O,  sir,  sir,  sir, 

I  would  have  had  you  put  your  power  well  on, 

Before  you  had  worn  it  out. 
Cor.  Let  go. 

Vol.  You  might  have  been  enough  the  man  you  are, 

With  striving  less  to  be  so:   lesser  had  been  20 

The  thwartings  of  your  dispositions,  if 

You  had  not  show'd  them  how  ye  were  disposed. 

Ere  they  lack'd  power  to  cross  you. 
Cor.  Let  them  hang. 

Vol.  Ay,  and  burn  too. 

Enter  Mencniiis  zi'ith  the  Senators. 

Men.   Come,  come,  you  have  been  too  rough,  something 
too  rough; 

You  must  return  and  mend  it. 
First  Sen.  There's  no  remedy; 

Unless,  by  not  so  doing,  our  good  city 

Cleave  in  the  midst,  and  perish. 
Vol.  Pray,  be  counsell'd  : 

I  have  a  heart  as  little  apt  as  yours, 

But  yet  a  brain  that  leads  my  use  of  anger  30 

To  better  vantage. 
Men.  Well  said,  noble  woman! 

Before  he  should  thus  stoop  to  the  herd,  but  that 

The  violent  fit  o'  the  time  craves  it  as  physic 

For  the  whole  state,  I  would  put  mine  armour  on. 

Which  I  can  scarcely  bear. 
Cor.  What  must  I  do? 

Men.   Return  to  the  tribunes. 

91 


Act  III.  Sc.  ii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Ccr.  ^^'ell,  what  then?  what  then? 

Men.  Repent  what  you  have  spoke. 

Cor.  For  them!    I  cannot  do  it  to  the  gods; 
Must  I  then  do  't  to  them? 

Vol.  You  are  too  absolute  ; 

Though  therein  you  can  never  be  too  noble,  40 

But  when  extremities  speak.     I  have  heard  you  say, 
Honour  and  policy,  like  unsever'd  friends, 
r  the  war  do  grow  together:  grant  that,  and  tell  me, 
In  peace  what  each  of  them  by  the  other  lose, 
That  they  combine  not  there. 

Cor.  Tush,  tush! 

Men.  A  good  demand. 

Vol.  If  it  be  honour  in  your  wars  to  seem 

The  same  you  are  not,  which,  for  your* best  ends. 
You  adopt  your  policy,  how  is  it  less  or  worse, 
That  it  shall  hold  companionship  in  peace 
With  honour,  as  in  war,  since  that  to  both  50 

It  stands  in  like  request? 

Cor.  Why  force  you  this? 

Vol.  Because  that  now  it  Hes  you  on  to  speak 

To  the  people;    not  by  your  own  instruction, 
Nor  by  the  matter  which  your  heart  prompts  you. 
But  with  such  words  that  are  but  roted  in 
Your  tongue,  though  but  bastards  and  syllables 
Of  no  allowance  to  your  bosom's  truth. 
Now,  this  no  more  dishonours  you  at  all 
Than  to  take  in  a  town  with  gentle  words, 
Which  else  would  put  you  to  your  fortune  and       60 
The  hazard  of  much  blood. 
I  would  dissemble  with  my  nature,  where 
]\Iy  fortunes  and  my  friends  at  stake  required 
92 


CORIOLANUS  Act  III.  Sc.  ii. 

I  should  do  so  in  honour.     I  am  in  this, 
Your  wife,  your  son,  these  senators,  the  nobles ; 
And  you  will  rather  show  our  oreneral  louts 
How  you  can  frown  than  spend  a  fawn  upon  'em, 
For  the  inheritance  of  their  loves  and  safeguard 
Of  what  that  want  might  ruin. 

Men.  Xoble  lady! 

Come,  go  with  us;   si)eak  fair:   you  may  salve  so, 
Not  what  is  dangerous  present,  but  the  loss  71 

Of  what  is  past. 

Vol.  I  prithee  now,  my  son, 

Go  to  them,  with  this  bonnet  in  thy  hand; 

And  thus  far  having  stretch'd  it — here  be  with  them 

Thy  knee  bussing  the  stones — for  in  such  business 

Action  is  eloquence,  and  the  eyes  of  the  ignorant 

More  learned  than  the  ears — waving  thy  head, 

Which  often,  thus,  correcting  thy  stout  heart, 

Xow  humble  as  the  ripest  mulberry 

That  will  not  hold  the  handling  :  or  say  to  them,      80 

Thou  art  their  soldier,  and  being  bred  in  broils 

Hast  not  the  soft  way  which,  thou  dost  confess, 

Were  fit  for  thee  to  use,  as  they  to  claim, 

In  asking  their  good  loves;    but  thou  wilt  frame 

Thyself,  forsooth,  hereafter  theirs,  so  far 

As  thou  hast  power  and  person. 

Men.  This  but  done. 

Even  as  she  speaks,  why,  their  hearts  were  yours; 
For  they  have  pardons,  being  ask'd,  as  free 
As  words  to  little  purpose. 

Vol.  Prithee  now. 

Go,   and   be   ruled:    although   I   know  thou   hadst 
rather  90 

93 


Act  III.  Sc.  ii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Follow  thine  enemy  in  a  fiery  gulf 
Than  flatter  him  in  a  bower. 

Enter  Cominms. 

Here  is  Cominius. 

Com.   I  have  been  i'  the  market-place;  and,  sir,  'tis  fit 
You  make  strong  party,  or  defend  yourself 
By  calmness  or  by  absence:    all's  in  anger. 

Men.  Only  fair  speech. 

Com.  I  think  'twill  serve,  if  he 

Can  thereto  frame  his  spirit. 

Vol.  He  must,  and  will. 

Prithee  now,  say  you  will,  and  go  about  it. 

Cor.  Must  I  go  show  them  my  unbarb'd  sconce?  must  I, 
With  my  base  tongue,  give  to  my  noble  heart       lOO 
A  lie,  that  it  must  bear?    Well,  I  will  do  't: 
Yet,  were  there  but  this  single  plot  to  lose. 
This  mould  of  Marcius,  they  to  dust  should  grind  it. 
And  throw  't  against  the  wind.    To  the  market-place ! 
You  have  put  me  now  to  such  a  part,  which  never 
I  shall  discharge  to  the  life. 

Com.  Come,  come,  we  '11  prompt  you. 

Col.  I  prithee  now,  sweet  son,  as  thou  hast  said 
My  praises  made  thee  first  a  soldier,  so, 
To  have  my  praise  for  this,  perform  a  part. 
Thou  hast  not  done  before. 

Cor.  Well,  I  must  do't:       no 

Awa\,  my  disposition,  and  possess  me 
Some  harlot's  spirit!   my  throat  of  war  be  turn'd. 
Which  quired  with  my  drum,  into  a  pipe 
Small  as  an  eunuch,  or  the  virgin  voice 
That  babies  lulls  asleep!    the  smiles  of  knaves 

94 


CORiOLANUS  Act  III.  Sc.  ii. 

Tent  in  my  cheeks,  and  schoolboys'  tears  take  up 

The  glasses  of  my  sight!   a  beggar's  tongue 

Make  motion  through  my  lips,  and  my  arm'd  knees, 

Who  bow'd  but  in  my  stirrup,  bend  like  his 

That  hath  received  an  alms!     I  will  not  do  't;      120 

Lest  I  surcease  to  honour  mine  own  truth. 

And  by  my  body's  action  teach  my  mind 

A  most  inherent  baseness. 

j\)i  At  thy  choice  then  : 

To  beg  of  thee,  it  is  my  more  dishonour 
Than  thou  of  tfiem.     Come  all  to  ruin:    let 
Thy  mother  rather  feel  thy  pride  than  fear 
Thy  dangerous  stoutness,  for  I  mock  at  death 
With  as  big  heart  as  thou.     Do  as  thou  list. 
Thy   valiantness   was   mine,   thou   suck'dst  it   from 

me. 
But  owe  thy  pride  thyself. 

Cor.  Pray,  be  content :         130 

Mother,  I  am  going  to  the  market-place ; 
Chide  me  no  more.     I  '11  mountebank  their  loves, 
Cog  their  hearts  from  them,  and  come  home  beloved 
Of  all  the  trades  in  Rome.     Look.  I  am  going: 
Commend  me  to  my  wife.     I  '11  return  consul; 
Or  never  trust  to  what  my  tongue  can  do 
r  the  way  of  flattery  further. 

VoL  Do  your  will.        [Exit. 

Com.  Away!   the  tribunes  do  attend  you:   arm  yourself 
To  answer  mildly;   for  they  are  prepared 
With  accusations,  as  I  hear,  more  strong  140 

Than  are  upon  you  yet. 

Cor.  The  word  is  '  mildly.'     Pray  you,  let  us  go: 
Let  them  accuse  me  by  invention,  I 

95 


Act  III.  Sc.  iii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Will  answer  in  mine  honour. 
Men.  Ay,  but  mildly. 

Cor.  Well,  mildly  be  it  then.     Mildly!  [E.veiinl. 

Scene  III. 

The  same.     The  Forum. 

Enter  Sieinius  and  Brutus. 

Bru.  In  this  point  charge  him  home,  that  he  affects 
Tyrannical  power:    if  he  evade  us  there, 
Enforce  him  with  his  envy  to  the  people; 
And  that  the  spoil  got  on  the  Antiates 
Was  ne'er  distributed. 

Enter  an  Mdile. 

What,  will  he  come? 

^d.  He  's  coming. 

Bru.  How  accompanied? 

^d.  With  old  Menenius  and  those  senators 
That  always  favoured  him. 

Sic.  Have  you  a  catalogue 

Of  all  the  voices  that  we  have  procured, 
Set  down  by  the  poll  ? 

^d.  I  have;    'tis  ready.  lo 

Sic.  Have  you  collected  them  by  tribes? 

Md.  I  have. 

Sic.  Assemble  presently  the  people  hither: 

And  when  they  hear  me  say  '  It  shall  be  so 
r  the  right  and  strength  o'  the  commons,'  be  it  either 
For  death,  for  fine,  or  banishment,  then  let  them, 
If  I  say  fine,  cry  '  Fine,'  if  death,  cry  '  Death,' 
Insisting  on  the  old  prerogative 

96 


CORIOLANUS  Act  III.  Sc.  iii. 

And  power  i'  the  truth  o'  the  cause. 
^j,  I  shall  inform  them. 

Bru.  And  when  such  time  they  have  begun  to  cry, 

Let  them  not  cease,  but  with  a  din  confused  20 

Enforce  the  present  execution 

Of  what  we  chance  to  sentence. 
^d.  ^  ery  well. 

Sic.  Make  them  be  strong,  and  ready  for  this  hint. 

When  we  shall  hap  to  give  't  them. 
Pj'ji^  Go  about  it.      [Exit  JEdile. 

Put  him  to  choler  straight:   he  hath  been  used 

Ever  to  conquer  and  to  have  his  worth 

Of  contradiction  :  being  once  chafed,  he  cannot 

Be  rein'd  again  to  temperance;   then  he  speaks 

What 's  in  his  heart;   and  that  is  there  which  looks 

With  us  to  break  his  neck. 
Sic.  Well,  here  he  comes.     30 

Enter  Coriolanus,  Menenius,  and  Cominius,  with 
Senators  and  Patricians. 

Men.  Calmly,  I  do  beseech  you. 

Cor.  Ay,  as  an  ostler,  that  for  the  poorest  piece 

Will  bear  the  knave  by  the  volume.  The  honoured  gods 
Keep  Rome  in  safety,  and  the  chairs  of  justice 
Supplied  with  worthy  men  !    plant  love  among  's  ! 
Throng  our  large  temples  w4th  the  shows  of  peace, 
And  not  our  streets  with  war! 

First  Sen.  Amen,  amen. 

Men.  A  noble  wish. 

Re-enter  Aldile,  zvith  Citizens. 

Sic.  Draw  near,  ye  people. 

^d.  List  to  your  tribunes  ;   audience  :  peace,  I  say !      40 

97 


Act  III.  Sc.  iii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Cor.  First,  hear,  me  speak. 

Both  Tri.  Well,  say.     Peace,  ho! 

Cor.  Shall  I  be  charged  no  further  than  this  present? 

Must  all  determine  here? 
Sic.  I  do  demand. 

If  you  submit  you  to  the  people's  voices. 

Allow  their  officers,  and  are  content 

To  suffer  lawful  censure  for  such  faults 

As  shall  be  proved  upon  you. 
Cor.  I  am  content. 

Men.  Lo,  citizens,  he  says  he  is  content: 

The  warlike  service  he  has  done,  consider;   think 

Upon  the  wounds  his  body  bears,  which  show       50 

Like  graves  i'  the  holy  churchyard. 
Cor.  Scratches  with  briers, 

Scars  to  move  laughter  only. 
Men.  Consider  further. 

That  when  he  speaks  not  like  a  citizen. 

You  find  him  like  a  soldier:   do  not  take 

His  rougher  accents  for  malicious  sounds, 

But,  as  I  say,  such  as  become  a  soldier 

Rather  than  envy  you. 
Com.  Well,  well,  no  more. 

Cor.  What  is  the  matter 

That  being  pass'd  for  consul  with  full  voice, 

I  am  so  dishonour'd  that  the  very  hour  60 

You  take  it  off  again? 
Sic.  Answer  to  us. 

Cor.  Say,  then:    'tis  true,  I  ought  so. 
Sic.  We  charge  you,  that  you  have  contrived  to  take 

From  Rome  all  season'd  office,  and  to  wind 

Yourself  into  a  power  tyrannical ; 

98 


CORIOLANUS  Act  III.  Sc.  iii. 

For  which  you  are  a  traitor  to  the  people. 

Cor.   How!   traitor! 

Men.  Nay,  temperately;   your  promise. 

Cor.  The  fires  i'  the  low^est  hell  fold-in  the  people! 
Call  me  their  traitor!    Thou  injurious  tribune! 
Within  thine  eyes  sat  twenty  thousand  deaths,        7u 
In  thy  hands  clutch'd  as  many  milUons,  in 
Thy  i\  ing  tongue  both  numbers,  I  w^ould  say 
*  Thou  liest '  unto  thee  wdth  a  voice  as  free 
As  I  do  pray  the  gods. 

Sic.  ]Mark  you  this,  people? 

Citizens.  To  the  rock,  to  the  rock  with  him! 

Sic.  Peace! 

We  need  not  put  new  matter  to  his  charge: 
What  you  have  seen  him  do  and  heard  him  speak, 
Beating  your  officers,  cursing  yourselves, 
Opposing  laws  with  strokes,  and  here  defying 
Those  whose  great  power  must  try  him;   even  this. 
So  criminal  and  in  such  capital  kind,  8l 

Deserves  the  extremest  death. 

Brii.  But  since  he  hath 

Served  well  for  Rome — 

Cor.  What  do  you  prate  of  service? 

Bru.   I  talk  of  that,  that  know  it. 

Cor.  You? 

Men.   Is  this  the  promise  that  you  made  your  mother? 

Com.   Know,  I  pray  you, — 

Cor.  I  '11  know  no  further: 

Let  them  pronounce  the  steep  Tarpeian  death, 
Vagabond  exile,  flaying,  pent  to  linger 
But  with  a  grain  a  day,  I  would  not  buy  90 

Their  mercy  at  the  price  of  one  fair  word, 

99 


Act  III.  Sc.  iii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Nor  check  my  courage  for  what  they  can  give, 
To  have  't  with  saying  '  Good  morrow.' 

Sic.  For  that  he  has. 

As  much  as  in  him  hes,  from  time  to  time 
Envied  against  the  people,  seeking  means 
To  pluck  away  their  power,  as  now  at  last 
Given  hostile  strokes,  and  that  not  in  the  presence 
Of  dreaded  justice,  but  on  the  ministers 
That  do  distribute  it ;    in  the  name  o'  the  people, 
And  in  the  power  of  us  the  tribunes,  we,  lOO 

Even  from  this  instant,  banish  him  our  city, 
In  peril  of  precipitation 
From  off  the  rock  Tarpeian,  never  more 
To  enter  our  Rome  gates :    i'  the  people's  name, 
I  say  it  shall  be  so. 

Citizens.  It  shall  be  so,  it  shall  be  so;   let  him  away: 
He  's  banish'd,  and  it  shall  be  so. 

Com.  Hear  me,  my  masters,  and  my  common  friends, — 

Sic.  He's  sentenced;    no  more  hearing. 

Com.  Let  me  speak: 

I  have  been  consul,  and  can  show  for  Rome       no 
Her  enemies'  marks  upon  iuq.     I  do  love 
My  country's  good  with  a  respect  more  tender, 
More  holy  and  profound,  than  mine  own  life, 
My  dear  wife's  estimate,  her  womb's  increase 
And  treasure  of  my  loins;    then  if  I  would 
Speak  that — 

Sic.  We  know  your  drift : — speak  what? 

Bni.  There  's  no  more  to  be  said,  but  he  is  banish'd, 
As  enemy  to  the  people  and  his  country: 
It  shall  be  so. 

Citizens.  It  shall  be  so,  it  shall  be  so. 

100 


CORIOLANUS  Act  III.  Sc.  iii. 

Cor.  You  common  cry  of  curs!  whose  breath  I  hate  120 
As  reek  o'  the  rotten  fens,  whose  loves  I  prize 
As  the  dead  carcasses  of  unburied  men 
That  do  corrupt  my  air,  I  banish  you; 
And  here  remain  with  your  uncertainty! 
Let  every  feeble  rumour  shake  your  hearts! 
Your  enemies,  with  nodding  of  their  plumes, 
Fan  you  into  despair!     Have  the  power  still 
To  banish  your  defenders;   till  at  length 
Your  ignorance,  which  finds  not  till  it  feels, 
Making  not  reservation  of  yourselves, 
Still  your  own  foes,  deliver  you  as  most 
Abated  captives  to  some  nation 
That  won  you  without  blows !     Despising, 
For  you,  the  city,  thus  I  turn  my  back: 
There  is  a  world  elsewhere. 

[Exeunt  Coriolanus,  Coininiiis,  Mencnius, 
Senators  and  Patrieians. 

^id.  The  people's  enemy  is  gone,  is  gone ! 

Citizens.  Our  enemy  is  banish 'd  !  he  is  gone  !   Hoo  !  hoo  ! 
[They  all  shout,  and  tliroiv  up  their  caps. 

Sic.  Go,  see  him  out  at  gates,  and  follow  him. 
As  he  hath  foUow'd  you,  with  all  despite; 
Give  him  deserved  vexation.     Let  a  guard  140 

Attend  us  through  the  city. 

Citizens.  Come,  come,  let 's  see  him  out  at  gates  ;  come. 
The  gods  preserve  our  noble  tribunes!     Come. 

[Exeunt. 


101 


Act  IV.  Sc.  i.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

ACT  FOURTH. 
Scene  I. 

Rome.    Before  a  o-afe  of  the  eity. 

Enter  Coriolaiius,   Voluivjiia,  VirgUia,  Menenius, 
Cominiits,  wilh  the  young  Nohility  of  Rome. 

Cor.  Come,  leave  your  tears;   a  brief  farewell:   the  beast 
With  many  heads  butts  me  away.     Nay,  mother, 
Where  is  your  ancient  courage?  you  were  used 
To  say  extremity  was  the  trier  of  spirits; 
That  common  chances  common  men  could  bear ; 
That  when  the  sea  was  calm  all  boats  alike 
Show'd  mastership  in  floating ;  fortune's  blows, 
When  most  struck  home,  being  gentle   wounded, 

craves 
A  noble  cunning:  you  were  used  to  load  me 
With  precepts  that  would  make  invincible  lo 

The  heart  that  conn'd  them. 

Vir.  O  heavens  !     O  heavens  ! 

Cor.  Nay,  I  prithee,  woman, — 

Vol.  Now  the  red  pestilence  strike  all  trades  in  Rome, 
And  occupations  perish! 

Cor.  What,  what,  what! 

I  shall  be  loved  when  I  am  lack'd.     Nay,  mother. 

Resume  that  spirit,  when  you  wxre  wont  to  say, 

If  you  had  been  the  wife  of  Hercules, 

Six  of  his  labours  you  'Id  have  done,  and  saved 

Your  husband  so  much  sweat.     Cominius, 

Droop  not;    adieu.     Farewell,  my  wife,  my  mother. 

I  '11  do  well  vet.     Thou  old  and  true  Menenius,     21 


CORIOLANUS  Act  IV.  Sc.  i. 

Thy  tears  are  salter  than  a  younger  man's, 

And  venomous  to  thine  eyes.     My  sometime  general, 

I  have  seen  thee  stern,  and  thou  hast  oft  Ijeheld 

Heart-hardening  spectacles;  tell  these  sad  women, 

'Tis  fond  to  wail  inevitable  strokes, 

As  'tis  to  laugh  at  'em.     My  mother,  you  wot  well 

My  hazards  still  have  been  your  solace:    and 

Believe  't  not  lightly — though  I  go  alone. 

Like  to  a  lonely  dragon,  that  his  fen  30 

Makes  fear'd  and  talk'd  of  more  than  seen — your  son 

Will  or  exceed  the  common,  or  be  caught 

With  cautelous  baits  and  practice. 

Vol.  ^ly  first  son, 

Whither  wilt  thou  go?     Take  good  Cominius 
With  thee  awhile:    determine  on  some  course. 
More  than  a  wild  exposture  to  each  chance 
That  starts  i'  the  way  before  thee. 

Cor.  O  the  gods! 

Com.   I  '11  follow  thee  a  month,  devise  with  thee 

Where  thou  shalt  rest,  that  thou  mayst  hear  of  us 
And  we  of  thee:   so,  if  the  time  thrust  forth  40 

A  cause  for  thy  repeal,  we  shall  not  send 
O'er  the  vast  world  to  seek  a  single  man. 
And  lose  advantage,  which  doth  ever  cool 
I'  the  absence  of»the  needer. 

Cor.  Fare  ye  well: 

Thou  hast  years  upon  thee ;  and  thou  art  too  full 
Of  the  wars'  surfeits,  to  go  rove  with  one 
That 's  yet  unbruised  :   bring  me  but  out  at  gate. 
Come,  my  sweet  wife,  my  dearest  mother,  and 
i\Iy  friends  of  noble  touch,  when  I  am  forth. 
Bid  me  farewell,  and  smile.     I  pray  you,  come.     50 

103 


Act  IV.  Sc.  ii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

While  I  remain  above  the  ground,  you  shall 

Hear  from  me  still,  and  never  of  me  aught 

But  what  is  like  me  formerly. 
Men.  That's  worthily 

As  any  ear  can  hear.     Come,  let  's  not  weep. 

If  I  could  shake  off  but  one  seven  years 

From  these  old  arms  and  legs,  by  the  good  gods, 

I  'Id  with  thee  every  foot. 
Cor.  Give  me  thy  hand: 

Come.  [Exeunt. 

Scene   II. 

The  same.     A  street  near*the  gate. 

Enter  the  tzvo  Tribunes,  Sieiiiius  and  Brutus, 
zvith  the  ^dile. 

Sic.  Bid  them  all  home;  he  's  gone,  and  we  '11  no  further. 

The  nobility  are  vex'd,  whom  we  see  have  sided 

In  his  behalf. 
Bru.  Now  we  have  shown  our  power. 

Let  us  seem  humbler  after  it  is  done 

Then  when  it  was  a-doing. 
Sic.  Bid  them  home: 

Say  their  great  enemy  is  gone,  and  they 

Stand  in  their  ancient  strength. 
Bru.  Dismiss  them  home.      [Exit  ^Edile. 

Here  comes  his  mother. 

Enter  Volumnia,  Virgilia,  and  Menenius. 

Sic.  Let  's  not  meet  her. 

Bru.  Why? 

Sic.  They  say  she  's  mad. 

104 


CORIOLANUS  Act  IV.  Sc.  ii. 

Bni.  They  have  ta'en  note  of  us:   keep  on  your  way.     lo 
Vol.  O,   ye 're   well    met:     the    hoarded   plague    o'    the 
gods 

Requite  your  love! 
Men.  Peace,  peace;    be  not  so  loud. 

Vol.  If  that  I  could  for  weeping,  you  should  hear, — 

Nay,  and  you  shall  hear  some.      [To  Brufus]     A\'ill 
you  be  gone? 
Vir.    [To  Siciniiis]   You  shall  stay  too  :  I  would  I  had  the 
power 

To  say  so  to  my  husband. 
Sic.  Are  you  mankind? 

Vol.  Ay,  fool;  is  that  a  shame?     Note  but  this  fool. 

Was  not  a  man  my  father  ?     Hadst  thou  f oxship 

To  banish  him  that  struck  more  blows  for  Rome 

Than  thou  hast  spoken  words? 
Sic.  O  blessed  heavens!  20 

Vol.  Moe  noble  blows  than  ever  thou  wise  words; 

And  for  Rome's  good.     I  '11  tell  thee  what;   yet  go: 

Nay,  but  thou  shalt  stay  too:    I  would  my  son 

Were  in  Arabia,  and  thy  tribe  before  him. 

His  good  sword  in  his  hand. 
Sic.  What  then? 

Vir.  What  then! 

He  'Id  make  an  end  of  thy  posterity. 
J^ol.  Bastards  and  all. 

Good  man,  the  wounds  that  he  does  bear  for  Rome! 
Men.  Come,  come,  peace. 
Sic.  I  would  he  had  continued  to  his  country  30 

As  he  began,  and  not  unknit  himself 

The  noble  knot  he  made. 
Bru.  I  would  he  had. 

105 


Act  IV.  Sc.  ii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Vol.  '  I  would  he  had  ! '     'Twas  you  incensed  the  rabble  ; 
Cats,  that  can  judge  as  fitly  of  his  worth 
As  I  can  of  those  mysteries  which  heaven 
Will  not  have  earth  to  know. 

Brii.  Pray,  let  us  go. 

Vol.  Now,  pray,  sir,  get  you  gone: 

You  have  done  a  brave  deed.     Ere  you  go,  hear 

this: 
As  far  as  doth  the  Capitol  exceed 
The  meanest  house  in  Rome,  so  far  my  son —       40 
This  lady's  husband  here,  this,  do  you  see? — 
Whom  you  have  banish'd,  does  exceed  you  all. 

Bru.  Well,  well,  we  '11  leave  you. 

Sic.  Why  stay  we  to  be  baited 

A\'ith  one  that  wants  her  wits  ? 

Vol.  Take  my  jirayers  with  you. 

[E.reiDit  Tribunes. 
I  would  the  gods  had  nothing  else  to  do 
But  to  confirm  my  curses!     Could  I  meet  'em 
But  once  a-day,  it  would  unclog  my  heart 
Of  what  lies  heavy  to  't. 

Men.  You  have  told  them  home ; 

And,   by   my   troth,   you   have   cause.     You  '11   sup 
with  me? 

Vol.  Anger  's  my  meat ;    I  sup  upon  myself,  50 

And  so  shall  starve  with  feeding.     Come,  let's  go: 
Leave  this  faint  puling,  and  lament  as  I  do, 
In  anger,  Juno-like.     Come,  come.  come. 

[Exeunt  Vol.  and  Vir. 

Men.  Fie,  fie,  fie!  [Exit. 


106 


CORIOLANUS  Act  IV.  Sc.  iii. 

Scene  III. 

A  highway  betzccoi  Rome  and  Antiiim. 
Enter  a  Roman  and  a  Volsce,  nieeti)ig. 

Rom.  I  know  you  well,  sir,  and  you  know  me:  your 
name,  I  think,  is  Adrian. 

Vols.  It  is  so,  sir :  truly,  I  have  forgot  you. 

Rom.  I  am  a  Roman  ;  and  my  services  are,  as  you  are, 
against  'em  :  know  you  me  yet  ? 

Vols.  Nicanor?  no. 

Rom.  The  same,  sir. 

Vols.  You  had  more  beard  when  I  last  saw  you ;  but 
your  favour  is  well  appeared  by  your  tongue. 
What 's  the  news  in  Rome?     I  have  a  note  from     lo 
the  Volscian  state,  to  find  you  out  there:    you 
have  well  saved  me  a  day's  journey. 

Rom.  There  hath  been  in  Rome  strange  insurrections  ; 
the  people  against  the  senators,  patricians  and 
nobles. 

Vols.  Hath  been!  is  it  ended  then?  Our  state  thinks 
not  so :  they  are  in  a  most  warlike  preparation, 
and  hope  to  come  upon  them  in  the  heat  of  their 
division. 

Rom.  The  main  blaze  of  it  is  past,  but  a  small  thing  20 
would  make  it  flame  again  :  for  the  nobles  receive 
so  to  heart  the  banishment  of  that  worthy  Corio- 
lanus,  that  they  are  in  a  ripe  aptness  to  take  all 
power  from  the  people,  and  to  pluck  from  them 
their  tribunes  for  ever.  This  lies  glowing,  I 
can  tell  you,  and  is  almost  mature  for  the  violent 
breaking  out. 

107 


Act  IV.  Sc.  iii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Wols.  Coriolanus  banished! 

Rom.  Banished,  sir. 

Vols.  You  will  be  welcome  with   this   intelligence,     30 
Nicanor. 

Rom.  The  day  serves  well  for  them  now.  I  have 
heard  it  said,  the  fittest  time  to  corrupt  a 
man's  wife  is  when  she 's  fallen  out  with  her 
husband.  Your  noble  Tullus  Aufidius  will 
appear  well  in  these  wars,  his  great  opposer, 
Coriolanus,  being  now  in  no  request  of  his 
country. 

Vols.  He  cannot  choose.     I  am  most  fortunate,  thus 

accidentally  to  encounter  you:   you  have  ended     40 
my  business,  and  I  will  merrily  accompany  you 
home. 

Rom.  I  shall,  between  this  and  supper,  tell  you  most 
strange  things  from  Rome;  all  tending  to  the 
good  of  their  adversaries.  Have  you  an  army 
ready,  say  you? 

Vols.  A  most  royal  onej  the  centurions  and  their 
charges,  distinctly  billeted,  already  in  the  enter- 
tainment, and  to  be  on  foot  at  an  hour's  warning. 

Rom.  I  am  joyful  to  hear  of  their  readiness,  and  am     50 
the  man,  I  think,  that  shall  set  them  in  present 
action.     So,   sir,   heartily  well   met,   and   most 
glad  of  your  company. 

Vols.  You  take  my  part  from  me,  sir ;  I  have  the  most 
cause  to  be  glad  of  yours. 

Rom.  Well,  let  us  go  together.  [Exeunt. 


108 


CORIOLANUS  Act  IV.  Sc.  iv. 

Scene  IV. 

Antiiun.     Before  Aiifidius's  house. 

Enter  Coriolanus  in  mean  apparel,  disguised  and  ninifled. 

Cor,  A  goodly  city  is  this  Antium.     City, 

Tis  I  that  made  thy  widows :   many  an  heir 

Of  these  fair  edifices  'foie  my  wars 

Have  I  heard  groan  and  drop  :  then  know  me  not ; 

Lest  that  thy  wives  with  spits,  and  boys  with  stones, 

In  puny  battle  slay  me. 

Enter  a  Citizen. 

Save  you,  sir. 

Cit.  And  you. 

Cor.  Direct  me,  if  it  be  your  will. 

Where  great  Aufidius  lies  :  is  he  in  Antium  ? 

Cit.  He  is,  and  feasts  the  nobles  of  the  state 
At  his  house  this  night. 

Cor.  Which  is  his  house,  beseech  you  ?     lo 

Cit.  This,  here,  before  you. 

Cor.  Thank  you,  sir  :    farewell. 

[Exit  Citi:;eji, 
O  world,  thy  slippery  turns !  Friends  now  fast  sworn, 
Whose  double  bosoms  seem  to  wear  one  heart. 
Whose  hours,  whose  bed,  whose  meal  and  exercise 
Are  still  together,  who  twin,  as  'twere,  in  love 
Unseparable,  shall  within  this  hour. 
On  a  dissension  of  a  doit,  break  out 
To  bitterest  enmity :   so,  fellest  foes. 
Whose  passions  and  whose  plots  have  broke  their  sleep 
To  take  the  one  the  other,  by  some  chance,  20 

109 


Act  IV.  Sc.  V.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Some  trick  not  worth  an  egg,  shall  grow  dear  friends 
And  interjoin  their  issues.     So  with  me: 
My  birth-place  hate  I,  and  my  love  's  upon 
This  enemy  town.     I  '11  enter  :    if  he  slay  me, 
He  does  fair  justice ;   if  he  give  me  way, 
I  '11  do  his  country  service.  [Exit. 

Scene  V. 

The  same.     A  hall  in  Auiidiuss  house. 

Music  ivithin.     Enter  a  Servingman. 

First  Serv.  Wine,  wine,  wine  ! — What  service  is  here  ! 

I  think  our  fellows  are  asleep.  [Exit. 

Enter  another  Serz'ingman. 

Sec.  Serv.  Where  's  Cotus  ?  my  rnaster  calls  for  him. 

Cotus!  [Exit. 

Enter  Coriolanus. 

Cor,  A  goodly  house :  the  feast  smells  well ;  but  I 
Appear  not  like  a  guest. 

Re-enter  the  first  Servingman. 

First  Serv.  What  would  you  have,  friend  ?  whence 
are  you  ?  Here  's  no  place  for  you :  pray,  go 
to  the  door.  [Exit. 

Cor,  I  have  deserved  no  better  entertainment,  lo 

In  being  Coriolanus. 

Re-enter  second  Servingman. 

Sec.  Serv.  Whence    are   you,    sir  ?     Has    the    porter 
his  eyes  in  his  head,  that  he  gives  entrance  to 
such  companions?     Pray,  get  you  out. 
no 


CORIOLANUS  Act  IV.  Sc.  v. 

Cor.  Away ! 

Sec.  Scrr.  '  Away  !  '    get  you  away. 
Cor.   Now  thou  'rt  troublesome. 

Sec.  Serv.  Are  you  so  brave  ?     I  '11  have  you  talked 
with  anon. 

Enter  a  third  Serz'iiigDiau.     The  first  meets  him. 

Third  Serv.  What  fellow 's  this  ?  20 

First  Serz'.  A  strange  one  as  ever  I  looked  on  :    I 

cannot  get  him  out  o'  the  house :    prithee,   call 

my  master  to  him.  [Retires. 

Third  Serv.  What  have  you  to  do  here,  fellow  ?  Pray 

you,  avoid  the  house. 
Cor.   Let  me  but  stand ;    I  will  not  hurt  your  hearth. 
Third  Serv.  What  are  you  ? 
Cor.  A  gentleman. 
Third  Serv.  A  marvellous  poor  one. 

Cor.  True,  so  I  am.  30 

Third  Serv.   Pray  you,  poor  gentleman,  take  up  some 

other  station  ;    here  's  no  place   for  you ;    pray 

you,  avoid :   come. 
Cor.   Follow  your  functions,  go,  and  batten  on  cold 

bits.  [Pushes  him  azcay  from  hiiu. 

Third  Serv.  What,  you  will  not  ?     Prithee,  tell  my 

master  what  a  strange  guest  he  has  here. 
Sec.  Serv.  And  I  shall.  [Exit. 

Third  Serv.  Where  dwell'st  thou  ? 

Cor.  Under  the  canopy.  40 

Third  Serv.  Under  the  canopy  ! 
Cor.  Ay. 

Third  Serv.  Where  's  that  ? 
Cor.   V  the  citv  of  kites  and  crows. 


Act  IV.  Sc.  V.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Third  Sen:  V  the  city  of  kites  and  crows  !     What  an 

ass  it  is !     Then  thou  dwell'st  with  daws  too  ? 
Coi\  No,  I  serve  not  thy  master. 

Third  Serv.  How,  sir  !  do  yon  meddle  with  my  master  ? 
Cor.  Ay ;   'tis   an   honester   service  than   to  meddle 

with  thy  mistress  :  50 

Thou  pratest,  and  pratest ;    serve  with  thy  trencher, 
hence ! 

[Beats  him  azvay.     Exit  third  Servingman. 

Enter  AuHdius  with  the  second  Servingman. 

Auf.  Where  is  this  fellow  ? 

Sec.  Serv.  Here,   sir :    I  'Id  have  beaten  him  like  a 

dog,  but  for  disturbing  the  lords  within.       [Retires. 
Auf.  \Mience  comest  thou  ?  what  wouldst  thou  ?  thy  name ? 

Why  speak'st  not  ?   speak,  man  :   what 's  thy  name  ? 
Cor.    [UninitfHing]  If,  Tullus, 

Not  yet  thou  knowest  me,  and,  seeing  me,  dost  not 

Think  me  for  the  man  I  am,  necessity 

Commands  me  name  myself. 
Auf.  What  is  thy  name?     60 

Cor.  A  name  unmusical  to  the  \^olscians'  ears. 

And  harsh  in  sound  to  thine. 
Auf.  Say,  what  's  thy  name? 

Thou  hast  a  grim  appearance,  and  thy  face 

Bears  a  command  in  't ;   though  thy  tackle  's  torn, 

Thou  show'st  a  noble  vessel :   what  's  thy  name  ? 
Cor.  Prepare  thy  brow  to  frown  : — know'st  thou  me  yet  ? 
Auf.   I  know  thee  not: — thy  name? 
Cor.  Aly  name  is  Caius  Marcius.  who  hath  done 

To  thee  particularly,  and  to  all  the  A^olsces, 

Great  hurt  and  mischief  ;  thereto  witness  may  70 

112 


CORIOLANUS  Act  IV.  Sc.  v. 

My  surname,  Coriolanus:  the  painful  service, 
The  extreme  dangers,  and  the  drops  of  blood 
Slied  for  my  thankless  country,  are  requited 
But  with  that  surname;   a  good  memory. 
And  witness  of  the  malice  and  displeasure 
Which  thoushouldst  bear  me  :  only  that  name  remains  : 
The  cruelty  and  envy  of  the  people, 
Permitted  by  our  dastard  nobles,  who 
Have  all  forsook  me,  hath  devour'd  the  rest; 
And  suffer'd  me  by  the  voice  of  slaves  to  be  80 

Hoop'd  out  of  Rome.     Now,  this  extremity 
Hath  brought  me  to  thy  hearth:   not  out  of  hope — 
Mistake  me  not — to  save  my  life,  for  if 
I  had  fear'd  death,  of  all  the  men  i'  the  world 
I  would  have  voided  thee;  but  in  mere  spite. 
To  be  full  quit  of  those  my  banishers, 
Stand  I  before  thee  here.    Then  if  thou  hast 
A  heart  of  wreak  in  thee,  thou  wilt  revenge 
Thine  own  particular  wrongs,  and  stop  those  maims 
Of   shame   seen  through   thy   country,    speed   thee 
straight,  90 

And  make  my  misery  serve  thy  turn:    so  use  it 
That  my  revengeful  services  may  prove 
As  benefits  to  thee;   for  I  will  fight 
Against  my  canker'd  country  with  the  spleen 
Of  all  the  under  fiends.     But  if  so  be 
Thou  darest  not  this  and  that  to  prove  more  fortunes 
Thou  Tt  tired,  then  in  a  word,  I  also  am 
Longer  to  live  most  weary,  and  present 
^ly  throat  to  thee  and  to  thy  ancient  malice; 
Which  not  to  cut  would  show  thee  but  a  fool,     100 
Since  I  have  ever  follow'd  thee  with  hate, 

113 


Act  IV.  Sc.  V.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Drawn  tuns  of  blood  out  of  thy  country's  breast, 
And  cannot  live  but  to  thy  shame,  unless 
It  be  to  do  thee  service. 
Aitf.  O  Alarcius,  Marcius! 

Each  word  thou  hast  spoke  hath  weeded  from  my  heart 
A  root  of  ancient  envy.     If  Jupiter 
Should  from  yon  cloud  speak  divine  things, 
And  say  '  'Tis  true,'  I  'Id  not  believe  them  more 
Than  thee,  all  noble  Marcius.     Let  me  twine 
Mine  arms  about  that  body,  where  against  no 

My  grained  ash  an  hundred  times  hath  broke, 
And  scarrVl  the  moon  with  splinters:   here  I  clip 
The  anvil  of  my  sword,  and  do  contest 
As  hotly  and  as  nobly  with  thy  love 
As  ever  in  ambitious  strength  I  did 
Contend  against  thy  valour.     Know  thou  first, 
I  loved  the  maid  I  married;   never  man 
Sigh'd  truer  breath  ;   but  that  I  see  thee  here. 
Thou  noble  thing !   more  dances  my  rapt  heart 
Than  when  I  first  my  wedded  mistress  saw  120 

Bestride  my  threshold.    Why,  thou  ]\Iars!  I  tell  thee. 
We  have  a  powxr  on  foot;   and  I  had  purpose 
Once  more  to  hew  thy  target  from  thy  brawn, 
Or  lose  mine  arm  for't:    thou  hast  beat  me  out 
Twelve  several  times,  and  I  have  nightly  since 
Dreamt  of  encounters  'twixt  thyself  and  me; 
We  have  been  down  together  in  my  sleep. 
Unbuckling  helms,  fisting  each  other's  throat; 
And  waked  half  dead  with  nothing.    W^orthy  Alarcius, 
Had  we  no  quarrel  else  to  Rome  but  that  130 

Thou  art  thence  banish'd,  we  would  muster  all 
From  twelve  to  seventy,  and  pouring  war 

114 


CORIOLANUS  Act  IV.  Sc.  v. 

Into  the  bowels  of  ungrateful  Rome, 
Like  a  bold  flood  o'er-beat.     O,  come,  go  in, 
And  take  our  friendly  senators  by  the  hands. 
Who  now  are  here,  taking  their  leaves  of  me, 
Who  am  prepared  against  your  territories, 
Though  not  for  Rome  itself. 
Cor.  Vou  bless  me,  gods  ! 

Auf.   Therefore,  most  absolute  sir,  if  thou  wilt  have 

The  leading  of  thine  own  revenges,  take  140 

The  one  half  of  my  commission,  and  set  down — 
As  best  thou  art  experienced,  since  thou  know'st 
Thy    country's    strength    and    weakness — thme   own 

ways ; 
Whether  to  knock  against  the  gates  of  Rome, 
Or  rudely  visit  them  in  parts  remote. 
To  fright  them,  ere  destroy.     But  come  in : 
Let  me  commend  thee  first  to  those  that  shall 
Say  yea  to  thy  desires.     A  thousand  welcomes ! 
And  more  a  friend  than  e'er  an  enemy ; 
Yet,   Marcius,  that   was   much.     Your  hand:    most 
welcome!  15° 

[Exeujit  Coriolanus  and  Aiifidiiis.     The  tzoo 
Servingmen  come  forzvard. 
First  Sen:   Here's  a  strange  alteration! 
Sec.  Serz:  By    my    hand,    I    had    thought    to    have 
strucken  him  with  a  cudgel ;    and  yet  my  mind 
gave  me  his  clothes  made  a  false  report  of  him. 
First  Serz'.  What   an    arm   he   has!     he    turned    me 
about   with   his   finger  and   his   thumb,   as   one 
would  set  up  a  top. 
Sec.  Serz:   Xay.   I  knew  by  his   face  that  there  was 
something  in  him:    he  had,  sir,  a  kind  of  face, 
methought, — I  cannot  tell  how  to  term  it.  160 

IIS 


Act  IV.  Sc.  V.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

First  Sen'.  He  had  so  ;    looking  as  it  were — Would 

I  were  hanged,  but  I  thought  there  was  more  in 

him  than  I  could  think. 
Sec.  Serv.   So  did  I,  I  '11  be  sworn  :    he  is  simply  the 

rarest  man  i'  the  world. 
First  Serv.  I  think  he  is :   but  a  greater  soldier  than 

he,  you  wot  one. 
Sec.  Serv.  Who?  my  master? 
First  Serv.  Nay,  it 's  no  matter  for  that. 
Sec.  Serv.  Worth  six  on  him.  170 

First  Serv.  Nay,  not  so  neither :   but  I  take  him  to  be 

the  greater  soldier. 
Sec.  Serv.  Faith,  look  you,  one  cannot  tell  how  to  say 

that :    for  the  defence  of  a  town,  our  general  is 

excellent. 
First  Serv.  Ay,  and  for  an  assault  too. 

Re-enter  third  Servingman. 

Third  Serv.  O  slaves*  I   can  tell  you  news ;    news, 

you  rascals ! 
First  and  Sec.  Serv.  W^hat,  what,  what  ?  let 's  partake. 
Third  Serv.  I  would  not  be  a  Roman,  of  all  nations ;  180 

I  had  as  lieve  be  a  condemned  man. 
First  and  Sec.  Serv.  W^herefore  ?   wherefore  ? 
Third  Serv.  Why,  here  's  he  that  was  wont  to  thwack 

our  general,  Caius  Marcius. 
First  Serv.  Why  do  you  say,  thwack  our  general? 
Third  Serv.  I  do  not  say,  thwack  our  general ;  but  he 

was  always  good  enough  for  him. 
Sec.  Serv.  Come,  we  are  fellows  and  friends :  he  was 

ever  too  hard  for  him ;   I  have  heard  him  say  so 

himself.  190 

ii6 


CORIOLANUS  Act  IV.  Sc.  v. 

First  Serv.  He  was  too  hard  for  him  directly,  to  say 
the  troth  on  't :  before  Coriol:  he  scotched  him 
and  notched  him  hke  a  carbonado. 

Sec.  Scrv.  An  he  had  been  cannibally  given,  he  might 
have  broiled  and  eaten  him  too. 

First  Serv.  But,  more  of  thy  news? 

Third  Serv.  Why,  he  is  so  made  on  here  within  as  if 
he  were  son  and  heir  to  Mars ;  set  at  upper  end 
o'  the  table  ;  no  question  asked  him  by  any  of  the 
senators,  but  they  stand  bald  before  him.  Our  200 
general  himself  makes  a  mistress  of  him ;  sanc- 
tifies himself  with 's  hand,  and  turns  up  the 
white  o'  the  eye  to  his  discourse.  But  the  bot- 
tom of  the  news  is,  our  general  is  cut  i'  the  mid- 
dle, and  but  one  half  of  what  he  was  yesterday ; 
for  the  other  has  half,  by  the  entreaty  and  grant 
of  the  whole  table.  He  '11  go,  he  says,  and  sow! 
the  porter  of  Rome  gates  by  the  ears :  he  will 
mow  all  down  before  him,  and  leave  his  passage 
poll'd. 

Sec.  Serv.  And  he  's  as  like  to  do  't  as  any  man  I  can  210 
imagine. 

Third  Serv.  Do  't !  he  will  do  't ;  for,  look  you,  sir, 
he  has  as  many  friends  as  enemies ;  which 
friends,  sir,  as  it  were,  durst  not,  look  you,  sir, 
show  themselves,  as  we  term  it,  his  friends  whilst 
he's  in  directitude. 

First  Serv.  Directitude !   what 's  that  ? 

Third  Serv.  But  when  they  shall  see,  sir,  his  crest  up 
again  and  the  man  in  blood,  they  will  out  of  their 
burrows,  like  conies  after  rain,  and  revel  all  with  220 
him. 

First  Sen'.  But  when  goes  this  forward? 

117 


Act  IV.  Sc.  vi.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Third  Serv.  To-morrow  ;  to-day  ;  presently  vou  shall 
have  the  drum  struck  up  this  afternoon  :  'tis,  as  it 
were,  a  parcel  of  their  feast,  and  to  be  executed 
ere  they  wipe  their  lips. 

Sec.  Scrv.  Wliy,  then  we  shall  have  a  stirring  world 
again.  This  peace  is  nothing,  but  to  rust  iron, 
increase  tailors,  and  breed  ballad-makers. 

First  Serv.  Let  me  have  war,  say  I ;  it  exceeds  peace  230 
as  far  as  day  does  night ;  it  's  spritely,  waking, 
audible,  and  full  of  vent.  Peace  is  a  verv 
apoplexy,  lethargy,  muU'd,  deaf,  sleepy,  in- 
sensible ;  a  getter  of  more  bastard  children 
than  war  's  a  destroyer  of  men. 

Sec.  Serv.  'Tisso:  and  as  war,  in  some  sort,  may  be 
said  to  be  a  ravisher,  so  it  cannot  be  denied  but 
peace  is  a  great  maker  of  cuckolds. 

First  Seri'.  Ay,  and  it  makes  men  hate  one  an- 
other. 240 

TJiird  Serv.  Reason  ;  because  they  then  less  need  one 
another.  The  wars  for  my  monew  I  hope  to 
see  Romans  as  cheap  as  Volscians.  They  are 
rising,  they  are  rising. 

First  and  Sec.  Serv.  In,  in,  in,  in !  [Exeunt. 

Scene  VI. 

Rome.     A  public  place. 

Enter  the  tzvo  Tribunes,  Sicinius  and  Brutus. 

Sic,  We  hear  not  of  him,  neither  need  we  fear  him  ; 
His  remedies  are  tame  i'  the  present  peace 
And  quietness  of  the  people,  which  before 
Were  in  wild  hurry.     Here  do  we  make  his  friends 

118 


CORIOLANUS  Act  IV.  Sc.  vL 

Blush  that  the  world  goes  well ;  who  rather  had, 
Though  they  themselves  did  suffer  by  't,  behold 
Dissentious  numbers  pestering  streets  than  see 
Our  tradesmen  singing  in  their  shops  and  going 
About  their  functions  friendly. 
Bni.  We  stood  to  't  in  good  time. 

Enter  Menenius. 

Is  this  Menenius  ?     lo 
Sic.  'Tis  he,  'tis  he :  O,  he  is  grown  most  kind 

Of  late.    Hail,  sir ! 
Men.  Hail  to  you  both  ! 

Sic.  Your  Coriolanus  is  not  much  miss'd, 

But  with  his  friends  :  the  commonwealth  doth  stand ; 

And  so  would  do,  were  he  more  angry  at  it. 
Men.  All 's  well ;  and  might  have  been  much  better,  if 

He  could  have  temporized. 
Sic.  Where  is  he,  hear  you  ? 

Men.   Nay,  I  hear  nothing :    his  mother  and  his  wife 

Hear  nothing  from  him. 

Enter  three  or  four  Citizens. 

Citizens.  The  gods  preserve  you  both  ! 

Sic.  God-den,  our  neighbours.     20 

Bru.  God-den  to  you  all,  god-den  to  you  all. 

Eirst  Cit.  Ourselves,  our  wives,  and  children,  on  our  knees. 

Are  bound  to  pray  for  you  both. 
Sic.  Live,  and  thrive  ! 

Bru.   Farewell,  kind  neighbours  :   we  wish'd  Coriolanus 

Had  loved  you  as  we  did. 
Citizens.  Now  the  gods  keep  you  ! 

Both'!}  I.   Farewell,  farewell.  [Exeunt  Citizens. 

119 


Act  IV.  Sc.  vi.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Sic.  This  is  a  happier  and  more  comely  time 

Than  when  these  fellows  ran  about  the  streets, 

Crying  confusion. 
Brii.  Caius  Alarcius  was 

A  worthy  officer  i'  the  war,  but  insolent,  30 

O'ercome  with  pride,  ambitious  past  all  thinking, 

Self-loving, — 
Sic.  And  affecting  one  sole  throne, 

Without  assistance. 
Moi.  I  think  not  so. 

Sic.  We  should  by  this,  to  all  our  lamentation, 

If  he  had  gone  forth  consul,  found  it  so. 
Br II.  The  gods  have  well  prevented  it,  and  Rome 

Sits  safe  and  still  without  him. 

Enter  an  JEdile. 

jEd.  Worthy  tribunes. 

There  is  a  slave,  whom  we  have  put  in  prison. 
Reports,  the  Yolsces  with  two  several  powers 
Are  enterVl  m  the  Roman  territories,  40 

And  with  the  deepest  malice  of  the  war 
Destroy  what  lies  before  'em. 

Men.  'Tis  Aufidius, 

Who,  hearing  of  our  Marcius'  banishment, 
Thrusts  forth  his  horns  again  into  the  world  ; 
Which     were    inshell'd    when    Marcius    stood    for 

Rome, 
And  durst  not  once  peep  out. 

Sic.  Come,  what  talk  you 

Of  Marcius? 

Bru.  Go  see  this  rumourer  whipp'd.    It  cannot  be 

The  Volsces  dare  break  with  us. 
120 


CORIOLANUS  Act  IV.  Sc.  vi. 

Men.  (Cannot  be ! 

We  have  record  that  very  well  it  can, 
And  three  examples  of  the  like  have  been  50 

Within  my  age.     But  reason  with  the  fellow, 
Before  you  punish  him,  where  he  heard  this. 
Lest  you  shall  chance  to  whip  your  information, 
And  beat  the  messenger  who  bids  beware 
Of  what  is  to  be  dreaded. 

Sic.  Tell  me  not : 

I  know  this  cannot  be. 

Brii.  Not  possible. 

Enter  a  Messenger. 

Mess.  The  nobles  in  great  earnestness  are  going 

All  to  the  senate-house  :  some  news  is  come 

That  turns  their  countenances. 
Sic.  'Tis  this  slave ; 

Go  whip  him  'fore  the  people's  eyes :  his  raising; 

Nothing  but  his  report. 
Mess.  Yes,  worthy  sir,  61 

The  slave's  report  is  seconded ;  and  more, 

More  fearful,  is  deliver'd. 
Sic.  What  more  fearful  ? 

Mess.  It  is  spoke  freely  out  of  many  mouths — 

How  probable  I  do  not  know — that  JNIarcius, 

Join'd  with  Aufidius,  leads  a  power  'gainst  Rome, 

And  vows  revenge  as  spacious  as  between 

The  young'st  and  oldest  thing. 
Sic.  This  is  most  likely! 

Brn.  Raised  only,  that  the  weaker  sort  may  wish 

Good  Marcius  home  again. 
Sic.  The  very  trick  on  't.       70 

121 


Act  IV.  Sc.  vi.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Meiu  This  is  unlikely: 

He  and  Aufidius  can  no  more  atone 
Than  violentest  contrariety. 

Enter  a  second  Messenger. 

Sec.  Mess.  You  are  sent  for  to  the  senate : 
A  fearful  army,  led  by  Caius  Marcius 
Associated  wiih  Aufidius,  rages 
Upon  our  territories  ;  and  have  already 
O'erborne  their  way,  consumed  with  fire,  and  took 
What  lay  before  them. 

Enter  Coniinins. 

Com.  O,  you  have  made  good  work! 

Men.  What  news?  what  news?     80 

Com.  You  have  holp  to  ravish  your  own  daughters,  and 

To  melt  the  city  leads  upon  your  pates ; 

To  see  your  wives  dishonour'd  to  your  noses, — 
Men.  What 's  the  news  ?  what 's  the  news  ? 
Com.  Your  temples*burned  in  their  cement,  and 

Your  franchises,  whereon  you  stood,  confined 

Into  an  auger's  bore. 
Men.  Pray  now,  your  news? — 

You  have  made  fair  work,  I  fear  me. — Pray,  your 
news  ? — 

If  Marcius  should  be  join'd  with  Volscians, — 
Com.  If! 

He  is  their  god  :  he  leads  them  like  a  thing  90 

Made  by  some  other  deity  than  nature. 

That  shapes  man  better ;   and  they  follow  him, 

Against  us  brats,  with  no  less  confidence 

Than  boys  pursuing  summer  butterflies, 

Or  butchers  killing  flies. 

122 


CORIOLANUS  ActlV.  Sc.  vi. 

Men.  You  have  made  good  work. 

You  and  your  apron-men  ;  you  that  stood  so  much 
Upon  the  voice  of  occupation  and 
The  breath  of  garhc-eaters  ! 

Coin.   He  '11  shake  your  Rome  about  your  ears. 

Men.  As  Hercules 

Did  shake  down  mellow  fruit.     You  have  made  fair 

work!  I  GO 

Bni.   But  is  this  true,  sir? 

Com.  Ay  ;  and  you  '11  look  pale 

Before  you  find  it  other.     All  the  regions 
Do  smilingly  revolt ;  and  who  resist 
Are  mock'd  for  valiant  ignorance, 
And  perish  constant  fools.     Who  is  't  can  blame  him? 
Your  enemies  and  his  find  something  in  him. 

Men.  We  are  all  undone,  unless 
The  noble  man  have  mercy. 

Com.  Who  shall  ask  It  ? 

The  tribunes  cannot  do  't  for  shan^e  ;  the  people 
Deserve  such  pity  of  him  as  the  wolf  lio 

Does  of  the  shepherds :   for  his  best  friends,  if  they 
Should  say  'Be  good  to  Rome,'  they  charged  him  even 
As  those  should  do  that  had  deserved  his  hate, 
And  therein  show'd  like  enemies. 

Men.  'Tis  true : 

If  he  w^ere  putting  to  my  house  the  brand 
That  should  consume  it,  I  have  not  the  face 
To  say  '  Beseech  you,  cease.'     You  have  made  fair 

hands. 
You  and  your  crafts  !   you  have  crafted  fair ! 

Com.  You  have  brought 

A  trembling  upon  Rome,  such  as  was  never 
123 


Act  IV.  Sc.  vi.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

So  incapable  of  help. 
Both  Tri.  Say  not,  we  brought  it.  120 

Men.  How  !  was  it  we  ?  we  loved  him ;  but,  like  beasts 

And  cowardly  nobles,  gave  way  unto  your  clusters, 

Who  did  hoot  him  out  o'  the  city. 
Com.  But  I  fear 

They  '11  roar  him  in  again.     Tullus  Aufidius, 

The  second  name  of  men,  obeys  his  points 

As  if  he  were  his  officer :   desperation 

Is  all  the  policy,  strength  and  defence, 

That  Rome  can  make  against  them. 

Enter  a  troop  of  Citizens. 

Men.  Here  comes  the  clusters. 

And  is  Aufidius  with  him  ?    You  are  they 
That  made  the  air  unwholesome,  when  you  cast     130 
Your  stinking  greasy  caps  in  hooting  at 
Coriolanus'  exile.     Now  he  's  coming ; 
And  not  a  hair  upon  a  soldier's  head 
Which  will  not  prove  a  whip :   as  many  coxcombs 
As  you  threw  caps  up  will  he  tumble  down. 
And  pay  you  for  your  voices.     'Tis  no  matter ; 
If  he  could  burn  us  all  into  one  coal. 
We  have  deserved  it. 

Citizens.  Faith,  we  hear  fearful  news. 

First  Cit.  For  mine  own  part, 

When  I  said,  banish  him,  I  said,  'twas  pity.  140 

Sec.  Cit.  And  so  did  I. 

Third  Cit.  And  so  did  I ;  and,  to  say  the  truth,  so  did 
very  many  of  us :    that  we  did,  we  did  for  the 
best;   and  though  we  willingly  consented  to  his 
banishment,  yet  it  was  against  our  will. 
124 


CORIOLANUS  Act  IV.  Sc.  vii. 

Com.  Ye  're  goodly  things,  you  voices ! 

Men.  You  have  made 

Good  work,  you  and  your  cry  !  Shall 's  to  the  Capitol  ? 
Com.  O,  ay,  what  else?  [Exeunt  Cominiiis  and  Menenms. 
Sic.  Go,  masters,  get  you  home ;   be  not  dismay' d  : 

These  are  a  side  that  would  be  glad  to  have  150 

This  true  which  they  so  seem  to  fear.     Go  home, 

And  show  no  sign  of  fear. 
First  Cit.  The  gods  be  good  to  us !     Come,  masters, 

let 's  home.     T  ever  said  we  were  i'  the  wrong 

when  we  banished  him. 
Sec.  Cit.  So  did  we  all.    But,  come,  let 's  home. 

[Exeunt  Citizens. 
Brii.   I  do  not  like  this  news. 
Sic.  Nor  I. 
Bru.  Let 's  to  the  Capitol:   would  half  my  wealth         159 

Would  buy  this  for  a  lie ! 
Sic.  Tray,  let  us  go.        [Exeunt. 

Scene  VII. 

A  camp,  at  a  small  distance  from  Rome. 
Enter  Aufidius  ivith  his  Lieutenant. 

Auf.  Do  they  still  fly  to  the  Roman  ? 

Lieu.  I  do  not  know  what  witchcraft 's  in  him,  but 
Your  soldiers  use  him  as  the  grace  'fore  meat, 
Their  talk  at  table  and  their  thanks  at  end ; 
And  you  are  darken'd  in  this  action,  sir, 
Even  by  your  own. 

Auf.  I  cannot  help  it  now. 

Unless,  by  using  means,  I  lame  the  foot 
Of  our  design.    He  bears  himself  more  proudlier, 

125 


Act  IV.  Sc.  vii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Even  to  my  person,  than  I  thought  he  would 
When  first  I  did  embrace  him  :  yet  his  nature  lo 

In  that  's  no  changeHng ;   and  I  must  excuse 
What  cannot  be  amended. 

Lieu.  Yet  I  wish,  sir — 

I  mean  for  your  particular — you  had  not 
Join'd  in  commission  with  him ;   but  either 
Had  borne  the  action  of  yourself,  or  else 
To  him  had  left  it  solely. 

Auf.  I  understand  thee  well ;  and  be  thou  sure, 

When  he  shall  come  to  his  account,  he  knows  not 
What  I  can  urge  against  him.    Although  it  seems. 
And  so  he  thinks,  and  is  no  less  apparent  20 

To  the  vulgar  eye,  that  he  bears  all  things  fairly. 
And  shows  good  husbandry  for  the  Volscian  state, 
Fights  dragon-like,  and  does  achieve  as  soon 
As  draw  his  sword,  yet  he  hath  left  undone 
That  which  shall  break  his  neck  or  hazard  mine, 
Whene'er  we  come  to  our  account. 

Lieu.   Sir,  I  beseech  you,  think  you  he  '11  carry  Rome  ? 

Auf.  All  places  yield  to  him  ere  he  sits  down  ; 
And  the  nobility  of  Rome  are  his  : 
The  senators  and  patricians  love  him  too:  30 

The  tribunes  are  no  soldiers ;  and  their  people 
W^ill  be  as  rash  in  the  repeal,  as  hasty 
To  expel  him  thence.    I  think  he  '11  be  to  Rome 
As  is  the  osprey  to  the  fish,  who  takes  it 
By  sovereignty  of  nature.    First  he  was 
A  noble  servant  to  them  ;  but  he  could  not 
Carry  his  honours  even :  whether  'twas  pride, 
Which  out  of  daily  fortune  ever  taints 
The  happy  man ;   whether  defect  of  judgement, 

126 


CORIOLANUS  Act  V.  Sc.  i. 

To  fail  in  the  disposing  of  those  chances  40 

Which  he  was  lord  ot ;   or  whether  nature, 
Not  to  be  other  than  one  thing,  not  moving 
From  the  casque  to  the  cushion,  but  commanding 

peace 
Even  with  the  same  austerity  and  garb 
As  he  controll'd  the  war ;   but  one  of  these — 
As  he  hath  spices  of  them  all,  not  all. 
For  I  dare  so  far  free  him — made  him  fear'd, 
So  hated,  and  so  banish'd :  but  he  has  a  merit, 
To  choke  it  in  the  utterance.     So  our  virtues 
Lie  in  the  interpretation  of  the  time  ;  50 

And  power,  unto  itself  most  commendable. 
Hath  not  a  tomb  so  evident  as  a  chair 
To  extol  what  it  hath  done. 
One  fire  drives  out  one  fire  ;  one  nail,  one  nail ; 
Rights  by  rights  falter,  strengths  by  strengths  do  fail. 
Come,  let  's  away.     \\'hen,  Caius,  Rome  is  thine, 
Thou  art  poor'st  of  all ;  then  shortly  art  thou  mine. 

[Exeunt. 

ACT  FIFTH. 
Scene  I. 

Rome.     jI  piihlie  place. 

Enter  Menenins,  Cominius,  and  Sieinius  and  Brutus,  the 
tivo  Tribunes,  with  otJiers. 

Men.   Xo,  I  '11  not  go :   you  hear  what  he  hath  said 
Which  was  sometime  his  general,  who  loved  him 
In  a  most  dear  particular.     He  callVl  me  father  : 
But  what  o'  that  ?     Go,  you  that  banish'd  him ; 
127 


Act  V.  Sc.  i.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

A  mile  before  his  tent  fall  down,  and  knee 
The  way  into  his  mercy :  nay,  if  he  coy'd 
To  hear  Cominius  speak,  I  '11  keep  at  home. 

Com.  He  would  not  seem  to  know  me. 

Men.  Do  you  hear? 

Com.  Yet  one  time  he  did  call  me  by  my  name: 

I  urged  our  old  acquaintance,  and  the  drops  lo 

That  we  have  bled  together.     Coriolanus 

He  would  not  answer  to :   forbade  all  names  ; 

He  was  a  kind  of  nothing,  titleless, 

Till  he  had  forged  himself  a  name  o'  the  fire 

Of  burning  Rome. 

Men.  Why,  so :  you  have  made  good  work ! 

A  pair  of  tribunes  that  have  rack'd  for  Rome, 
To  make  coals  cheap  :   a  noble  memory ! 

Com.  I  minded  him  how  royal  'twas  to  pardon 
When  it  was  less  expected :   he  replied. 
It  was  a  bare  petition  of  a  state  20 

To  one  whom  they  had  punish'd. 

Men.  Very  well: 

Could  he  say  less? 

Com.  I  offer'd  to  awaken  his  regard 

For  's  private  friends :    his  answer  to  me  was. 
He  could  not  stay  to  pick  them  in  a  pile 
Of  noisome  musty  chaff :   he  said,  'twas  folly, 
For  one  poor  grain  or  two,  to  leave  unburnt, 
And  still  to  nose  the  offence. 

Men.  For  one  poor  grain  or  two! 

I  am  one  of  those ;  his  mother,  wife,  his  child. 
And  this  brave  fellow  too,  we  are  the  grains :        30 
You  are  the  musty  chaff,  and  you  are  smelt 
Above  the  moon  :   we  must  be  burnt  for  you. 
128 


CORIOLANUS  Act  V.  Sc.  i. 

Sic.   Nay,  pray,  be  patient :   if  you  refuse  your  aid 
In  this  so  never-needed  help,  yet  do  not 
Upbraid  's  with  our  distress.     But  sure,  if  you 
Would  be  your  country's  pleader,  your  good  tongue, 
More  than  the  instant  army  we  can  make, 
i\Iight  stop  our  countryman. 

Men.  No,  I  '11  not  meddle. 

Sic.   Pray  you,  go  to  him. 

Men.  What  should  I  do? 

Brn.  Only  make  trial  what  your  love  can  do  40 

For  Rome,  towards  Alarcius. 

Men.  Well,  and  say  that  Marcius 

Return  me,  as  Cominius  is  return'd, 
Jnheard  ;   what  then  ? 
But  as  a  discontented  friend,  grief-shot 
With  his  unkindness  ?   say  't  be  so  ? 

Sic.  Yet  your  good  will 

Must  have  that  thanks  from  Rome,  after  the  measure 
As  you  intended  well. 

Men.  I  '11  undertake  't : 

I  think  he  '11  hear  me.     Yet,  to  bite  his  lip 

And  hum  at  good  Cominius,  much  unhearts  me. 

He  was  not  taken  well ;  he  had  not  dined  :  50 

The  veins  unfiird,  our  blood  is  cold,  and  then 

We  pout  upon  the  morning,  are  unapt 

To  give  or  to  forgive ;  but  when  we  have  stuff'd 

These  pipes  and  these  conveyances  of  our  blood 

With  wine  and  feeding,  we  have  suppler  souls 

Than  in  our  priest-like  fasts  :  therefore  I  '11  watch  him 

Till  he  be  dieted  to  my  request, 

And  then  I  '11  set  upon  him. 

Brn.  You  know  the  very  road  into  his  kindness, 

129 


Act  V.  Sc.  ii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

And  cannot  lose  your  way. 

Men.  Good  faith,  I  '11  prove  him,     60 

Speed  how  it  will.     I  shall  ere  long  have  knowledge 
Of  my  success.  [Exit. 

Com.  He  '11  never  hear  him. 

Sic.  Not  ? 

Com.  I  tell  you,  he  does  sit  in  gold,  his  eye 

Red  as  'twould  burn  Rome ;  and  his  injury 

The  gaoler  to  his  pity.     I  kneei'd  before  him  ; 

'Twas  very  faintly  he  said  '  Rise  ' ;    dismiss'd  me 

Thus,  with  his  speechless  hand :   what  he  would  do. 

He  sent  in  writing  after  me ;   what  he  would  not, 

Bound  with  an  oath  to  yield  to  his  conditions : 

So  that  all  hope  is  vain,  70 

Unless  his  noble  mother,  and  his  wife : 

Who,  as  I  hear,  mean  to  solicit  him 

For  mercy  to  his  country.     Therefore,  let 's  hence. 

And  with  our  fair  entreaties  haste  them  on. 

[Exeunt. 

Scene  II. 

Entrance  to  the  Volscian  camp  before  Rome. 
Two  Sentinels  on  guard. 

Enter  to  them,  Meneniiis. 

First  Sen.  Stay:   whence  are  you? 

Sec.  Sen.  Stand,  and  go  back. 

Men.  You  guard  like  men  ;   'tis  well :  but,  by  your  leave, 

I  am  an  officer  of  state,  and  come 

To  speak  with  Coriolanus. 
First  Sen.  From  whence  ? 

Men.  From  Rome. 

130 


CORIOLANUS  Act  V.  Sc.  il 

First  Sen.  You  may  not  pass,  you  must  return  :  our  general 
Will  no  more  hear  from  thence. 

Sec.  Sen.  You  '11  see  your  Rome  embraced  with  fire,  before 
You  '11  speak  with  Coriolanus. 

Men.  Good  my  friends, 

If  you  have  heard  your  general  talk  of  Rome, 
And  of  his  friends  there,  it  is  lots  to  blanks  lo 

My  name  hath  touch'd  your  ears :   it  is  Menenius. 

First  Sen.  Be  it  so  ;  go  back  :  the  virtue  of  your  name 
Is  not  here  passable. 

Men.  I  tell  thee,  fellow, 

Thy  general  is  my  lover :   I  have  been 
The  book  of  his  good  acts,  whence  men  have  read 
His  fame  unparallel'd  haply  amplified ; 
For  I  have  ever  verified  my  friends, 
Of  whom  he  's  chief,  with  all  the  size  that  verity 
Would  without  lapsing  sufifer :    nay,  sometimes. 
Like  to  a  bowl  upon  a  subtle  ground,  20 

I  have  tumbled  past  the  throw,  and  in  his  praise 
Have  almost  stamp'd  the  leasing:   therefore,  fellow, 
I  must  have  leave  to  pass. 

First  Sen.  Faith,  sir,  if  you  had  told  as  many  lies  in 
his  behalf  as  you  have  uttered  words  in  your 
own,  you  should  not  pass  here ;  no,  though  it 
were  as  virtuous  to  lie  as  to  live  chastely.  There- 
fore go  back. 

Men.  Prithee,feilow,  remember  my  name  is  Menenius, 

always  factionary  on  the  party  of  your  general.        30 

Sec.  Sen.  Howsoever  you  have  been  his  liar,  as  you 
say  you  have,  I  am  one  that,  telling  true  under 
him,  must  say,  you  cannot  pass.  Therefore  go 
back. 

131 


Act  V.  Sc.  ii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

AJoi.  Has  he  dined,  canst  thou  tell?  for  I  would  not 
speak  with  him  till  after  dinner. 

First  Sen.  You  are  a  Roman,  are  you? 

Men.  I  am,  as  thy  general  is. 

First  Sen.  Then  you  should  hate  Rome,  as  he  does. 

Can  you,  when  }ou  have  pushed  out  your  gates  40 
the  very  defender  of  them,  and,  in  a  violent 
popular  ignorance,  given  your  enemy  your 
shield,  think  to  front  his  revenges  with  the  easy 
groans  of  old  women,  the  virginal  palms  of  your 
daughters,  or  with  the  palsied  intercession  of 
such  a  decayed  dotant  as  you  seem  to  be?  Can 
you  think  to  blow  out  the  intended  fire  your  city 
is  ready  to  flame  in,  with  such  weak  breath  as 
this  ?  No,  you  are  deceived  ;  therefore,  back  to 
Rome,  and  prepare  for  your  execution  :  you  are  50 
condemned ;  our  general  has  sworn  you  out  of 
reprieve  and  pardon. 

Meji.  Sirrah,  if  thy  captain  knew  I  were  here,  he 
would  use  me  with  estimation. 

First  Sen.  Come,  my  captain  knows  you  not. 

Men.  I  mean,  thy  general. 

First  Sen.  My  general  cares  not  for  you.  Back,  I 
say,  go  ;  lest  I  let  forth  your  half-pint  of  blood  ; — 
back, — that 's  the  utmost  of  your  having : — back. 

Men.  Nay,  but,  fellow,  fellow, —  60 

Enter  Coriolanns  and  AuHdius. 

Cor.  What 's  the  matter? 

Men.  Now,  you  companion,  I  '11  say  an  errand  for 
you:  you  shall  know  novv'  that  I  am  in  estima- 
tion ;    you  shall  perceive  that  a  Jack  guardant 

132 


CORIOLANUS  Act  V.  Sc.  ii. 

cannot  office  me  from  my  son  Coriolanus  :  guess, 
but  by  my  entertainment  with  him,  if  thou  stand- 
est  not  i'  the  state  of  hanging,  or  of  some  death 
more  long  in  spectatorship  and  crueller  in  suf- 
fering;  behold  now  presently,  and  swoon  for 
what 's  to  come  upon  thee.  The  glorious  gods  70 
sit  in  hourly  synod  about  thy  particular  pros- 
perity, and  love  thee  no  worse  than  thy  old 
father  Menenius  does !  O  my  son,  my  son ! 
thou  art  preparing  fire  for  us  ;  look  thee,  here  's 
water  to  quench  it.  I  was  hardly  moved  to  come 
to  thee  ;  but  being  assured  none  but  myself  could 
move  thee,  I  have  been  blown  out  of  your  gates 
with  sighs;  and  conjure  thee  to  pardon  Rome 
and  thy  petitionary  countrymen.  The  good 
gods  assuage  thy  wrath,  and  turn  the  dregs  of 
it  upon  this  varlet  here, — this,  who,  like  a  block,  80 
hath  denied  my  access  to  thee. 

Cor.  Away ! 

Men.  How!   away! 

Cor.  Wife,  mother,  child,  I  know  not.     My  affairs 
Are  servanted  to  others :   though  I  owe 
My  revenge  properly,  my  remission  lies 
In  \^olscian  breasts.     That  we  have  been  familiar, 
Ingrate  forgetfulness  shall  poison  rather 
Than  pity  note  how  much.     Therefore  be  gone.     90 
Mine  ears  against  your  suits  are  stronger  than 
Your  gates  against  my  force.     Yet,  for  I  loved  thee, 
Take  this  along ;    I  writ  it  for  thy  sake, 
And    would    have    sent    it.     [Gives    him    a    letter.] 

Another  word,  Menenius, 
I  will  not  hear  thee  speak.     This  man,  Aufidius, 

133 


Act  V.  Sc.  iii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Was  my  beloved  in  Rome :   yet  thou  behold'st. 

Aiif.  You  keep  a  constant  temper. 

[Exeunt  Coriolamis  and  Anfidius. 

First  Sen.  Now,  sir,  is  your  name  Menenius? 

Sec.  Sen.   Tis  a  spell,  you  see,  of  much  power:    you 

know  the  way  home  again.  loo 

First  Sen.  Do  you  hear  how  we  are  shent  for  keep- 
ing your  greatness  back? 

Sec.  Sen.  What  cause,  do  you  think,  I  have  to  swoon  ? 

Men.  I  neither  care  for  the  world  nor  your  general: 
for  such  things  as  you,  I  can  scarce  think 
there  's  any,  ye  're  so  slight.  He  that  hath  a 
will  to  die  by  himself  fears  it  not  from  another : 
let  your  general  do  his  worst.  For  you,  be  that 
you  are,  long :  and  your  misery  increase  with 
your  age  !  I  say  to  you,  as  I  was  said  to,  Away !  [Exit. 

First  Sen.  A  noble  fellow,  I  warrant  him.  iii 

Sec.  Sen.  The  worthy  fellow  is  our  general :    he  's  the 

rock,  the  oak  not  to  be  wind-shaken.  [Exeunt. 

Scene  III. 

The  tent  of  Coriolamis. 
Enter  Coriolamis,  AuHdius,  and  others. 

Cor.  We  will  before  the  walls  of  Rome  to-morrow 
Set  down  our  host.     My  partner  in  this  action, 
You  must  report  to  the  Volscian  lords  how  plainly 
I  have  borne  this  business. 

Amj.  Only  their  ends 

You  have  respected ;   stopp'd  your  ears  against  - 
The  general  suit  of  Rome ;  never  admitted 
A  private  whisper,  no,  not  with  such  friends 

134 


CORIOLANUS  Act  V.  Sc.  iii. 

That  thought  them  sure  of  you. 
Cor.  This  last  old  man, 

Whom  with  a  crack'd  heart  I  have  sent  to  Rome, 
Loved  me  above  the  measure  of  a  father,  lo 

Nay,  godded  me  indeed.     Their  latest  refuge 
Was  to  send  him ;   for  whose  old  love  I  have, 
Though  I  show'd  sourly  to  him,  once  more  offer'd 
The  first  conditions,  which  they  did  refuse 
And  cannot  now  accept ;   to  grace  him  only 
That  thought  he  could  do  more,  a  very  little 
I  have  yielded  to :    fresh  embassies  and  suits, 
Nor  from  the  state  nor  private  friends,  hereafter 
Will  I  lend  ear  to.  •  [Shout  zvithin.]    Ha !    what  shout 

is  this? 
Shall  I  be  tempted  to  infringe  my  vow  20 

In  the  same  time  'tis  made?     I  will  not. 

Enter,  in  mourning  habits,   Virgilia,   Volumnia,  leading 
young  Marcius,  Valeria,  and  Attendants. 

My  wife  comes  foremost ;  then  the  honour'd  mould 

Wherein  this  trunk  was  framed,  and  in  her  hand 

The  grandchild  to  her  blood.     But  out,  affection ! 

All  bond  and  privilege  of  nature,  break! 

Let  it  be  virtuous  to  be  obstinate. 

What  is  that  curtsy  worth  ?   or  those  doves'  eyes. 

Which  can  make  gods  forsworn  ?    I  melt,  and  am  not 

Of  stronger  earth  than  others.     My  mother  bows ; 

As  if  Olympus  to  a  molehill  should  30 

In  supplication  nod :   and  my  young  boy 

Hath  an  aspect  of  intercession,  which 

Great  nature  cries  '  Deny  not.'     Let  the  Volsces 

Plough  Rome,  and  harrow  Italy :   I  '11  never 

135 


Act  V.  Sc.  iii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Be  such  a  gosling  to  obey  instinct ;   but  stand, 

As  if  a  man  were  author  of  himself 

And  knew  no  other  kin. 
Vir.  My  lord  and  husband! 

Cor.  These  eyes  are  not  the  same  I  wore  in  Rome. 
Vir.  The  sorrow  that  delivers  us  thus  changed 

Makes  you  think  so. 
Cor.  Like  a  dull  actor  now  40 

I  have  forgot  my  part  and  I  am  out, 
•     Even  to  a  full  disgrace.     Best  of  my  flesh, 

Forgive  my  tyranny ;    but  do  not  say, 

For  that  '  Forgive  our  Romans.'     O,  a  kiss 

Long  as  my  exile,  sweet  as  my  revenge ! 

Now,  by  the  jealous  queen  of  heaven,  that  kiss 

I  carried  from  thee,  dear,  and  my  true  lip 

Hath  virgin'd  it  e'er  since.     You  gods !    I  prate. 

And  the  most  noble  mother  of  the  world 

Leave  unsaluted  :   sink,  my  knee,  i'  the  earth  ; 

[Kneels. 

Of  thy  deep  duty  more  impression  show.  51 

Than  that  of  common  sons. 
Vol.  O,  stand  up  blest! 

Whilst,  wath  no  softer  cushion  than  the  flint, 

I  kneel  before  thee,  and  unproperly 

Show  duty,  as  mistaken  all  this  while 

Between  the  child  and  parent.  [Kneels, 

Cor.  What  is  this  ? 

Your  knees  to  me?   to  your  corrected  son? 

Then  let  the  pebbles  on  the  hungry  beach 

Fillip  the  stars ;   then  let  the  mutinous  winds 

Strike  the  proud  cedars  'gainst  the  fiery  sun,  60 

Murdering  impossibility,  to  make 

What  cannot  be,  slight  work. 

136 


CORIOLANUS  Act  V.  Sc.  iii. 

Vol.  Thou  art  my  warrior; 

I  holp  to  frame  thee.     Do  you  know  this  lady? 

Cor.  The  noble  sister  of  Pubiicola, 

The  moon  of  Rome ;  cliaste  as  the  icicle 
That 's  curded  by  the  frost  from  purest  snow 
And  hangs  on  Dian's  temple:   dear  \"aleria ! 

Vol.  This  is  a  poor  epitome  of  yours, 

Which  by  the  interpretation  of  full  time 
^lay  show  like  all  yourself. 

Cor.  The  god  of  soldiers,      70 

With  the  consent  of  supreme  Jove,  inform 
Thy  thoughts  with  nobleness,  that  thou  mayst  prove 
To  shame  unvulnerable,  and  stick  i'  the  wars 
Like  a  great  sea-mark,  standing  every  flaw 
And  saving  those  that  eye  thee ! 

Vol.  .Your  knee,  sirrah. 

Cor.  That  's  my  brave  boy ! 

Vol.   Even  he,  your  wife,  this  lady  and  myself 
Are»suitors  to  you. 

Cor.  I  beseech  you,  peace : 

Or,  if  you  'Id  ask,  remember  this  before : 
The  thing  I  have  forsworn  to  grant  may  never       80 
Be  held  by  you  denials.     Do  not  bid  me 
Dismiss  my  soldiers,  or  capitulate 
Again  with  Rome's  mechanics :    tell  me  not 
Wherein  I  seem  unnatural :   desire  not 
To' allay  my  rages  and  revenges  with 
Your  colder  reasons. 

Vol.  O,  no  more,  no  more ! 

You  have  said  you  will  not  grant  us  any  thing; 
For  we  have  nothing  else  to  ask,  but  that 
AMiich  you  deny  already  :   yet  we  will  ask  ; 

137 


Act  V.  Sc.  iii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

That,  if  you  fail  in  our  request,  the  blame  90 

May  hang  upon  your  hardness :  therefore  hear  us. 

Cor.  Aufidius,  and  you  Volsces,  mark  ;   for  we  '11 

Hear  nought  from  Rome  in  private.     Your  request? 

Vol.  Should  we  be  silent  and  not  speak,  our  raiment 
And  state  of  bodies  would  bewray  what  life 
We  have  led  since  thy  exile.     Think  with  thyself 
How  more  unfortunate  than  all  living  women 
Are  we  come  hither  :  since  that  thy  sight,  which  should 
Make   our   eyes   flow   with   joy,   hearts   dance   with 

comforts. 
Constrains  them  weep  and  shake  with  fear  and  sorrow  ; 
IMaking  the  mother,  wife  and  child,  to  see  loi 

The  son,  the  husband  and  the  father,  tearing 
His  country's  bowels  out.     And  to  poor  we 
Thine  enmity's*  most  capital :   thou  barr'st  us 
Our  prayers  to  the  gods,  which  is  a  comfort 
That  all  but  we  enjoy;   for  how  can  we, 
Alas,  how  can  we  for  our  country  pray. 
Whereto  we  are  bound,  together  with  thy  victory, 
Whereto  we  are  bound  ?  alack,  or  we  must  lose 
The  country,  our  dear  nurse,  or  else  thy  person. 
Our  comfort  in  the  country.     We  must  find         iii 
An  evident  calamity,  though  we  had 
Our  wish,  which  side  should  win  ;   for  either  thou 
Must,  as  a  foreign  recreant,  be  led 
With  manacles  thorough  our  streets,  or  else 
Triumphantly  tread  on  thy  country's  ruin, 
And  bear  the  palm  for  having  bravely  shed 
Thy  wife  and  children's  blood.     For  myself,  son, 
I  purpose  not  to  wait  on  fortune  till 
These  wars  determine :   if  I  cannot  persuade  thee 

138 


CORIOLANUS  Act  V.  Sc.  iii. 

Rather  to  show  a  noble  grace  to  both  parts  121 

Than  seek  the  end  of  one,  thou  shah  no  sooner 
March  to  assauk  thy  country  than  to  tread — 
Trust  to  't,  thou  shalt  not — on  thy  mother's  womb, 
That  brought  thee  to  this  world. 

Vir.  Ay,  and  mine. 

That  brought  you  forth  this  boy,  to  keep  your  name 
Living  to  time. 

Boy.  A'  shall  not  tread  on  me ; 

I  '11  run  away  till  I  am  bigger,  but  then  I  '11  fight. 

Cor.  Not  of  a  woman's  tenderness  to  be. 

Requires  nor  child  nor  woman's  face  to  see.  130 

1  have  sat  too  long.  [Rising. 

Vol.  Xay,  go  not  from  us  thus. 

If  it  w^ere  so  that  our  request  did  tend 
To  save  the  Romans,  thereby  to  destroy 
The  A^olsces  whom  you  serve,  you  might  condemn  us, 
As  poisonous  of  your  honour  :  no  ;   our  suit 
Is,  that  you  reconcile  them  :  while  the  Volsces 
]May  say  '  This  mercy  we  have  show'd,'  the  Romans, 
'  This  we  received  ' ;  and  each  in  either  side 
Give  the  all-hail  to  thee,  and  cry  '  Be  blest 
For  making  up  this  peace ! '  Thou  know'st,  great  son, 
The  end  of  war  's  uncertain,  but  this  certain,  141 

That  if  thou  conquer  Rome,  the  benefit 
Which  thou  shalt  thereby  reap  is  such  a  name 
Whose  repetition  will  be  dogg'd  with  curses  ; 
Whose  chronicle  thus  wTit :  '  The  man  was  noble, 
But  with  his  last  attempt  he  wiped  it  out, 
Destroy'd  his  country,  and  his  name  remains 
To  the  ensuing  age  abhorr'd.'     Speak  to  me,  son  : 
Thou  hast  affected  the  fine  strains  of  honour, 

139 


Act  V.  Sc.  iii.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

To  imitate  the  graces  of  the  gods  ;  150 

To  tear  with  thunder  the  wide  cheeks  o'  the  air, 
And  yet  to  charge  thy  sulphur  with  a  boh 
That  should  but  rive  an  oak.    Why  dost  not  speak? 
Think'st  thou  it  hdhourable  for  a  noble  man 
Still  to  remember  wrongs  ?    Daughter,  speak  you  : 
He  cares  not  for  your  weeping.     Speak  thou,  boy  : 
Perhaps  thy  childishness  will  move  him  more 
Than  can  our  reasons.    There  's  no  man  in  the  world 
More  bound  to  's  mother,  yet  here  he  lets  me  prate 
Like  one  i'  the  stocks.    Thou  hast  never  in  thy  life 
Show'd  thy  dear  mother  any  courtesy  ;  161 

When  she,  poor  hen,  fond  of  no  second  brood, 
Has  cluck'd  thee  to  the  wars  and  safely  home, 
Loaden  with  honour.     Say  m^y  request 's  unjust, 
And  spurn  me  back  :  but  if  it  be  not  so, 
Thou  art  not  honest,  and  the  gods  will  plague  thee, 
That  thou  restrain'st  from  me  the  duty  which 
To  a  mother's  part  belongs.    He  turns  away  : 
Down,  ladies  ;  let  us  shame  him  with  our  knees. 
To  his  surname  Coriolanus  'longs  more  pride        170 
Than  pity  to  our  prayers.    Down  :  an  end  ; 
This  is  the  last :  so  we  will  home  to  Rome, 
And  die  among  our  neighbours.     Nay,  behold  's  : 
This  boy,  that  cannot  tell  what  he  would  have. 
But  kneels  and  holds  up  hands  for  fellowship. 
Does  reason  our  petition  with  more  strength 
Than  thou  hast  to  deny  't.     Come,  let  us  go : 
This  fellow  had  a  Volscian  to  his  mother ; 
His  wife  is  in  Corioli,  and  his  child 
Like  him  by  chance.     Yet  give  us  our  dispatch  : 
I  am  hush'd  until  our  city  be  a-fire,  181 

140 


CORIOLANUS  Act  V.  Sc.  iii. 

And  then  I  '11  speak  a  little. 

Cor.    [After  holding  her  by  the  hand,  silent]   O  mother, 
mother ! 
What  have  you  done  ?  Behold,  the  heavens  do  ope, 
The  gods  look  down,  and  this  unnatural  scene 
They  laugh  at.     O  my  mother,  mother !   O  ! 
You  have  won  a  happy  victory  to  Rome ; 
But,  for  your  son,  believe  it,  O,  believe  it, 
Most  dangerously  you  have  with  him  prevail'd,      * 
If  not  most  mortal  to  him.     But  let  it  come. 
Aufidius,  though  I  cannot  make  true  wars,  190 

I  '11  frame  convenient  peace.     Now,  good  Aufidius, 
Were  you  in  my  stead,  would  you  have  heard 
A  mother  less?   or  granted  less,  Aufidius? 

Auf.  I  was  moved  withal. 

Cor.  I  dare  be  sworn  you  were  : 

And,  sir,  it  is  no  Httle  thing  to  make 
Mine  eyes  to  sweat  compassion.     But,  good  sir, 
\\^hat  peace  you  '11  make,  advise  me :   for  my  part, 
I  '11  not  to  Rome,  I  '11  back  with  you  :   and  pray  you, 
Stand  to  me  in  this  cause.     O  mother !   wife  ! 

Aiif.  [Aside]  I  am  glad  thou  hast  set  thy  mercy  and  thy 
honour 
At  difference  in  thee  :   out  of  that  I  '11  work  201 

Myself  a  former  fortune. 

[The  Ladies  make  signs  to  Coriolanus. 

Cor.  [To  Voliimnia,  Virgilia,  &c.]  Ay,  by  and  by: — 
But  we  will  drink  together ;   and  you  shall  bear 
A  better  witness  back  than  words,  which  we 
On  like  conditions  will  have  counter-seal'd. 
Come,  enter  with  us.     Ladies,  you  deserve 
To  have  a  temple  built  you :   all  the  swords 
In  Italy,  and  h"er  confederate  arms, 
Could  not  have  made  this  peace.  [Exeunt. 

141 


Act  V.  Sc.  iv.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Scene  IV. 

Rome.     A  public  place. 
Enter  Meneniiis  and  Siciniiis. 

Men.  See  you  yond  coign  o'  the  Capitol,  yond  corner- 
stone ? 

Sic.  Why,  what  of  that  ? 

^!en.  If  it  be  possible  for  you  to  displace  it  with  your 
little  finger,  there  is  some  hope  the  ladies  of 
Rome,  especially  his  mother,  may  prevail  with 
him.  But  I  say  there  is  no  hope  in  't :  our 
throats  are  sentenced,  and  stay  upon  execution. 

Sic.  Is  't  possible  that  so  short  a  time  can  alter  the 

condition  of  a  man?  lo 

Men.  There  is  differency  between  a  grub  and  a  but- 
terfly ;  yet  your  butterfly  was  a  grub.  This 
Marcius  is  grown  from  man  to  dragon :  he  has 
wings ;   he  's  more  than  a  creeping  thing. 

Sic.  He  loved  his  mother  dearly. 

Men.  So  did  he  me :  and  he  no  more  remembers  his 
mother  now  than  an  eight-year-old  horse.  The 
tartness  of  his  face  sours  ripe  grapes :  when  he 
walks,  he  moves  like  an  engine,  and  the  ground 
shrinks  before  his  treading :  he  is  able  to  pierce  20 
a  corslet  with  his  eye ;  talks  like  a  knell,  and  his 
hum  is  a  battery.  He  sits  in  his  state,  as  a  thing 
made  for  Alexander.  What  he  bids  be  done,  is 
finished  with  his  bidding.  He  wants  nothing  of 
a  god  but  eternity  and  a  heaven  to  throne  in. 

Sic.  Yes,  mercy,  if  you  report  him  truly. 

Men.   I  paint  him  in  the  character.    Mark  what  mercy 

142 


CORIOLANUS  Act  V.  Sc.  iv. 

his  mother  shall  bring  from  him :    there  is  no 
m.ore  mercy  in  him  than  there  is  milk  in  a  male 
tiger  ;   that  shall  our  poor  city  find  :   and  all  this     30 
is  long  of  you. 

Sic.  The  gods  be  good  unto  us ! 

Men.  Xo,  in  such  a  case  the  gods  will  not  be  good 
unto  us.  When  we  banished  him,  we  respected 
not  them ;  and,  he  returning  to  break  our  necks, 
they  respect  not  us. 

Enter  a  Messenger. 

Mess.  Sir,  if  you  'Id  save  your  life,  fly  to  your  house ; 
The  plebeians  have  got  your  fellow-tribune, 
And  hale  him  up  and  down,  all  swearing,  if 
The  Roman  ladies  bring  not  comfort  home,  40 

They  '11  give  him  death  by  inches. 

Enter  another  Messenger. 

Sic,  What  's  the  news  ? 

Sec.  Mess.  Goodnews,goodnews  ;  the  ladies  haveprevail'd, 
The  Volscians  are  dislodged,  and  Marcius  gone : 
A  merrier  day  did  never  yet  greet  Rome, 
No,  not  the  expulsion  of  the  Tarquins. 

Sic,  Friend. 

Art  thou  certain  this  is  true  ?   is  it  most  certain  ? 

Sec.  Mess.  As  certain  as  I  know  the  sun  is  fire : 

Where  have  you  lurk'd,  that  you  make  doubt  of  it  ? 
Ne'er  through  an  arch  so  hurried  the  blown  tide. 
As  the  recomforted  through  the  gates  Why,  hark  you  ! 
{Trumpets;  hautboys:  drums  beat;  all  together. 
The  trumpets,  sackbuts,  psalteries  and  fifes,  51 

Tabors  and  cymbals  and  the  shouting  Romans 

14^ 


Act  V.  Sc.  V.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Make  the  sun  dance.     Hark  you!     [A  shout  zvithin. 

Men.  This  is  good  news : 

I  will  go  meet  the  ladies.     This  Volumnia 
Is  worth  of  consuls,  senators,  patricians, 
A  city  full ;   of  tribunes,  such  as  you, 
A  sea  and  land  full.     You  have  pray'd  well  to-day : 
This  morning  for  ten  thousand  of  your  throats 
I  'Id  not  have  given  a  doit.     Hark,  how  they  joy ! 

[Music  still,  with  shouts. 

Sic.  First,  the  gods  bless  you  for  your  tidings  ;  next,  60 
Accept  my  thankfulness. 

Sec.  Mess.  Sir,  we  have  all 

Great  cause  to  give  great  thanks. 

Sic.  They  are  near  the  city  ? 

Sec.  Aless.  Almost  at  point  to  enter. 

Sic.  We  will  meet  them. 

And  help  the  joy.  [Exeunt. 

Scene  V. 

The  same.     A  street  near  the  gate. 

Enter  tzco  Senators  with  Volumnia,  Virgilia,  Valeria,  &c. 
passing  over  the  stage,  follozced  by  Patricians  and 
others. 

First  Sen.  Behold  our  patroness,  the  life  of  Rome  ! 
Call  all  your  tribes  together,  praise  the  gods. 
And  make  triumphant  fires  ;  strew  flowers  before  them  : 
Unshout  the  noise  that  banish'd  Alarcius, 
Repeal  him  with  the  welcome  of  his  mother  ; 
Cry  '  ^^^elcome,  ladies,  welcome !  ' 

All.  Welcome,  ladies, 

Welcome ! 

[A  flourish  witJi  drums  and  trumpets.     Exeunt. 

144 


CORIOLANUS  Act  V.  Sc.  Vi. 

Scene  VI. 

Corioli.     A  public  place. 

Enter  Tiillus  Aufidius,  z^'ifli  Attendants. 

Auf.  Go  tell  the  lords  o'  the  city  I  am  here : 
Deliver  them  this  paper :  having  read  it, 
Bid  them  repair  to  the  market-place,  where  I, 
Even  in  theirs  and  in  the  commons'  ears, 
Will  vouch  the  truth  of  it.     Him  I  accuse 
The  city  ports  by  this  hath  enter'd,  and 
Intends  to  appear  before  the  people,  hoping 
To  purge  himself  with  words  :  dispatch. 

[Exeunt  Attendants. 

Enter  three  or  four  Conspirators  of  Aufidius'  faction. 

Alost  welcome ! 
First  Con.  How  is  it  with  our  general  ? 
Aiif.  Even  so  lo 

As  with  a  man  by  his  own  alms  empoison'd, 

And  with  his  charity  slain. 
Sec.  Con.  ]\Iost  noble  sir, 

If  you  do  hold  the  same  intent  wherein 

You  wish'd  us  parties,  we  '11  deliver  you 

Of  your  great  danger. 
Auf.  Sir,  I  cannot  tell : 

We  must  proceed  as  we  do  find  the  people. 
Third  ton.  The  people  will  remain  uncertain  whilst 

'Twixt  you  there  's  difiference :   but  the  fall  of  either 

]Makes  the  survivor  heir  of  all. 
Auf.  T  know  It, 

And  my  pretext  to  strike  at  him  admits  '20 

A  good  construction.    I  raised  him,  and  I  pawn'd 

145 


Act  V.  Sc.  Vi.  THE  TRACeOY  OF 

Mine  honour  for  his  truth  :  who  being  so  heightened, 
He  water'd  his  new  plants  with  dews  of  flattery, 
Seducing  so  my  friends  ;   and,  to  this  end. 
He  bow'd  his  nature,  never  known  before 
But  to  be  rough,  unswayable  and  free. 

Third  Con.  Sir,  his  stoutness 

When  he  did  stand  for  consul,  which  he  lost 
By  lack  of  stooping, — 

Auf.  That  I  would  have  spoke  of : 

Being  banish'd  for  't,  he  came  unto  my  hearth ;      30 
Presented  to  my  knife  his  throat :  I  took  him. 
Made  him  joint-servant  with  me,  gave  him  way 
In  all  his  own  desires,  nay,  let  him  choose 
Out  of  my  files,  his  projects  to  accomplish. 
My  best  and  freshest  men,  served  his  designments 
In  mine  own  person,  holp  to  reap  the  fame 
Which  he  did  end  all  his ;  and  took  some  pride 
To  do  myself  this  wrong :  till  at  the  last 
I  seem'd  his  follower,  not  partner,  and 
He  waged  me  with  his  countenance,  as  if  40 

I  had  been  mercenary. 

First  Con.  So  he  did,  my  lord : 

The  army  marvelFd  at  it,  and  in  the  last, 
When  he  had  carried  Rome  and  that  we  looked 
For  no  less  spoil  than  glory — 

Auf.  There  was  it : 

For  which  my  sinews  shall  be  stretch'd  upon  him. 
At  a  few  drops  of  women's  rheum,  which  are 
As  cheap  as  lies,  he  sold  the  blood  and  labour 
Of  our  great  action  :  therefore  shall  he  die. 
And  I  '11  renew  me  in  his  fall.    But  hark ! 

\\Prums  and  trumpets  sound,  with  err  eat  shouts 

of  the  people. 

146 


CORIOLANUS  Act  V.  Sc.  vi. 

First  Con.  Your  native  town  you  enter'd  like  a  post,       50 
And  had  no  welcomes  home  ;  but  he  returns, 
Splitting  the  air  with  noise. 

Sec.  Con.  And  patient  fools. 

Whose  children  he  hath  slain,  their  base  throats  tear 
With  giving  him  glory. 

Third  Con.  Tlicrefore,  at  your  vantage. 

Ere  he  express  himself,  or  move  the  people 
With  what  he  would  say,  let  him  feel  your  sword. 
Which  we  will.second.     AA'hen  he  lies  along, 
After  your  way  his  tale  pronounced  shall  bury 
His  reasons  with  his  body. 

Aiif.  Say  no  more  : 

Here  come  the  lords.  60 

Enter  the  Lords  of  the  city. 

All  the  Lords.  You  are  most  welcome  home. 

Aiif.  I  have  not  deserved  it. 

But,  worthy  lords,  have  you  with  heed  perused 
What  I  have  written  to  you  ? 

Lords.  We  have. 

First  Lord.  And  grieve  to  hear  't. 

What  faults  he  made  before  the  last,  I  think 
Might  have  found  easy  fines  :  but  there  to  end 
Where  he  was  to  begin,  and  give  away 
The  benefit  of  our  levies,  answering  us 
With  our  own  charge,  making  a  treaty  where 
There  was  a  yielding, — this  admits  no  excuse. 

Aiif.  He  approaches  :  you  shall  hear  him.  70 

Enter  Coriolanns,  marching  zvith  drum  and  colours;   the 
commoners  being  zvith  him. 

Cor.  Hail,  lords !    I  am  return'd  your  soldier ; 

147 


Act  V.  Sc.  vi.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

No  more  infected  with  my  country's  love 

Than  when  I  parted  hence,  but  still  subsisting 

Under  your  great  command.    You  are  to  know, 

That  prosperously  I  have  attempted,  and 

With  bloody  passage  led  your  wars  even  to 

The  gates  of  Rome.     Our  spoils  we  have  brought 

home 
Do  more  than  counterpoise  a  full  third  part 
The  charges  of  the  action.    We  have  made  peace. 
With  no  less  honour  to  the  Antiates  80 

Than  shame  to  the  Romans :  and  we  here  deliver, 
Subscribed  by  the  consuls  and  patricians, 
Together  with  the  seal  o'  the  senate,  what 
We  have  compounded  on. 

Aiif.  Read  it  not,  noble  lords  ; 

But  tell  the  traitor,  in  the  highest  degree 
He  hath  abused  your  powers. 

Cor.  Traitor !  how  now  ! 

Auf.  Ay,  traitor,  Marcius  ! 

Cor.  Marcius ! 

Aiif.  Ay,  Marcius,  Caius  Marcius :   dost  thou  think 
I  '11  grace  thee  with  that  robbery,  thy  stol' n  name 
Coriolanus,  in  Corioli  ?  90 

You  lords  and  heads  o'  the  state,  perfidiously 
He  has  betray'd  your  business,  and  given  up. 
For  certain  drops  of  salt,  your  city  Rome, 
I  say  '  your  city,'  to  his  wnfe  and  mother ; 
Breaking  his  oath  and  resolution,  like 
A.  twist  of  rotten  silk  ;   never  admitting 
Counsel  o'  the  war  ;  but  at  his  nurse's  tears 
He  wdiined  and  roar'd  away  your  victory ; 
That  pages  blush'd  at  him,  and  men  of  heart 
143 


CORIOLANUS  Ac   V.  Sc.  vi. 

Look'd  wondering  each  at  other. 

Cor.  Hear'st  thou,  Mars  ?     loo 

Auf.   Xame  not  the  god,  thon  boy  of  tears ! 

Cor.  Ha ! 

Auf.   No  more. 

Cor.   Measureless  har,  thou  hast  made  my  heart 

Too  great  for  what  contains  it.    '  Boy  !  '    O  slave  ! 

Pardon  me,  lords,  'tis  the  first  time  that  ever 

I  was  forced  to  scold.     Your  judgements,  my  grave 

lords, 
Must  give  this  cur  the  lie  :  and  his  own  notion — 
Who  wears  my  stripes  impress'd  upon  him  ;  that 
Must  bear  my  beating  to  his  grave — shall  join 
To  thrust  the  lie  unto  him.  IIO 

First  Lord.  Peace,  both,  and  hear  me  speak. 

Cor.  Cut  me  to  pieces,  Volsces ;  men  and  lads, 

Stain  all  your  edges  on  me.     '  Boy  !  '    false  hound  ! 
If  you  have  writ  your  annals  true,  'tis  there, 
That,  Hke  an  eagle  in  a  dove-cote,  I 
Flutter'd  vour  Volscians  in  Corioli ; 
Alone  I  did  it.     '  Boy  ! ' 

Aiif.  ^^  hy,  noble  lords. 

Will  you  be  put  in  mind  of  his  blind  fortune, 
Which  was  your  shame,  by  this  unholy  braggart, 
'Fore  your  own  eyes  and  ears  ? 

All  Consp.  Let  him  die  for  't.     120 

All  the  People.  '  Tear  him  to  pieces.'  '  Do  it  pres- 
ently.' '  He  killed  my  son.'  '  My  daughter.' 
'He  killed  my  cousin  Marc-us.'  '  He  killed  my 
father.' 

Sec.  Lord.  Peace,  ho  !   no  outrage  :  peace  ! 
The  man  is  noble  and  his  fame  folds-in 

149 


Act  V.  Sc.  vi.  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

This  orb  o'  the  earth.     His  last  offences  to  us 

Shall  have  judicious  hearing.     Stand,  Aufidius, 

And  trouble  not  the  peace. 
Cor.  O  that  I  had  him, 

With  six  Aufidiuses,  or  more,  his  tribe,  130 

To  use  my  lawful  sword  ! 
Auf.  Insolent  villain ! 

All  Consp.  Kill,  kill,  kill,  kill,  kill  him  ! 

[The  Conspirators  draiv,  and  kill  Coriolanns: 
Aufidius  stands  on  his  body. 
Lords.  Hold,  hold,  hold,  hold  ! 

Auf.  My  noble  masters,  hear  me  speak. 
First  Lord.  O  TuUus, — 

Sec.  Lord.  Thou  hast  done  a  deed  whereat  valour  will  weep. 
Third  Lord.  Tread  not  upon  him.     Masters  all,  be  quiet ; 

Put  up  your  swords. 
Auf.  My  lords,  when  you  shall  know — as  in  this  rage 

Provoked  by  him,  you  cannot — the  great  danger 

Which  this  man's  life  did  owe  you,  you  '11  rejoice 

That  he  is  thus  cut  off.    Please  it  your  honours 

To  call  me  to  your  senate,  I  '11  deliver  141 

Myself  your  loyal  servant,  or  endure 

Your  heaviest  censure. 
First  Lord.  Bear  from  hence  his  body ; 

And  mourn  you  for  him  :  let  him  be  regarded- 

As  the  most  noble  corse  that  ever  herald 

Did  follow  to  his  urn. 
Sec.  Lord.  His  own  impatience 

Takes  from  Aufidius  a  great  part  of  blame. 

Let 's  make  the  best  of  it. 
Anf.  My  rage  is  gone. 

And  I  am  struck  with  sorrow.    Take  him  up : 

150 


CORIOLANUS  Act  V.  Sc.  vi. 

Help,  three  o'  the  chiefest  soldiers  ;   I  '11  be  one. 
Beat  thou  the  drum,  that  it  speak  mournfully :       151 
Trail  your  steel  pikes.     Though  in  this  city  he 
Hath  widow 'd  and  unchilded  many  a  one, 
Which  to  this  hour  bewail  the  injury. 
Yet  he  shall  have  a  noble  memory. 
Assist.  [Exeunt,  bearing  the  body  of  Coriolanus. 

A  dead  march  soundedo 


»«l 


THE  TRAGEDY  OF 


Glossary. 


Abated,  down-trodden,  beaten- 
down  (S.  Walker  conj. 
"abased")  ;  III.  iii.  132. 

Absolute,  perfect ;  IV.  v.  139. 

Abused,  deceived;  III.  i.  58. 

Addition,  title;  I.  ix.  66, 

Advanced,  raised,  uplifted;  I. 
vi.  61. 

Affect,  desire,  aim  at ;  II.  ii.  23. 

Affecting,  aiming  at;  IV.  vi.  32. 

Affection,  inclination,  tendency; 

I.  i.  107. 

Affections,      inclinations,      de- 
sires ;  I.  i.  180. 
Affects,  aims  at;  III.  iii.  i. 
Afric,  Africa ;  I.  viii.  3. 
After,  afterwards ;  II.  ii.  55. 
After  your  way,  after  you  have 

told   his    story    in   your   own 

way ;  V.  vi.  58. 
Against,    over    against,    in    the 

way  of;  III.  i.  247. 
Age,  lifetime;  IV.  vi.  51. 
Ages,  time,  life ;  III.  i.  7. 
Alarum,  call  to  arms;  II.  ii.  79. 
All,  any;  III.  i.  143. 
;  "all  gaze";  the  gaze  of 

every  eye;  I.  iii.  8. 
;    "all    our    lamentation''; 

i.e.  "  the  sorrow  of  us  all  " ; 

IV.  vi.  34. 
Allaying,    tempering,    diluting; 

II.  i.  49. 

Alloiv,  acknowledge  ;  III.  iii.  45. 


A  llowan  ce,     acknowledgement, 

III.  ii.  57. 
Amazonian  chin,  chin  beardless 

as  that  of  a  female  warrior ; 

II.  ii.  94. 

An,  if;   II.  i.   136. 

Ancient,  old.  former;  IV.  i.  3; 

inveterate ;  II.  i.  236 ;  IV.  v. 

102. 
Anon,  at  once;  II.  iii.  147,  150. 
Answer,  meet  in  battle;  I.  ii.  19. 
,    take    advantage;    II.    iii. 

265. 
,  punishment,  answering  of 

a  charge ;  III.  i.  177. 
Answering,     requiting,     paying 

the  debt  due  to  us ;  V.  vi.  67. 
Antiates,    people    of    Antium ; 

III.  iii.  4. 
Antique,  old;  II.  iii.  124. 
Appeared,    apparent    (Hanmer, 

"  affeer'd  "  ;  Warburton,  "  ap- 
peal'd";  Jackson  conj.  "  ap- 
parel'd")  ;  IV.  iii.  9. 

Approbation;  "upon  your  a.," 
for  the  purpose  of  confirming 
3'our  election  ;  II.  iii.  150. 

Apron-men,  mechanics;  IV.  vi. 
96. 

Apt,  susceptible  ;  III.  ii.  29. 

Arabia,  the  Arabian  desert ;  IV. 
ii.  24. 

Are  to,  belong  to;  I.  i.  276. 

Arithmetic,  calculation;  III.  i. 
245. 


152 


CORIOLANUS 


Glossary 


Arm  yourself,  prepare  yourself  ; 

III.  ii.  138. 
Arriving,   having    reached;    II. 
iii.  187. 

Article,  condition;  II.  iii.  202. 

Articulate,  enter  into  negotia- 
tions ;  I.  ix.  yy. 

As,  as  if;  I.  i.  22.  216. 

,  as  that ;  II.  i.  239. 

,  as  that  with  which;  III. 

iii.  74. 

Assembly  (quadrisvllabic)  ;  I.  i. 
158. 

Assistance,  persons  assisting 
( Hanmer,  "assistants"; 
Walker,  "  assistancy")  ;  IV. 
vi.  33- 

At,  at  the  price  of ;  V.  vi.  46. 

At  a  zvord,  in  a  word,  in  short ; 
I.  iri.  116. 

At  liome,  in  my  own  home;  I. 
X.  25. 

Atone,  reconciled;  IV.  vi.  y2. 

At  point,  on  the  point  of;  III.  i. 
194. 

Attach,  arrest;  III.  i.  175. 

Attend,  listen :  I.  ix.  4. 

,  await;  II.  ii.  163. 

Attended,  waited  for ;  I.  x.  30. 

Attends,  awaits;  I.  i.  78. 

Auburn,  probably  flaxen  (Fo- 
lios I,  2,  3,  "Abram")  ;  II. 
iii.  21. 

Audible,  quick  of  hearing;  IV. 
V.  232. 

Augurer.  soothsayer;  II.  i.  i. 

Austerity  and  garb,  austere  de- 
meanour ;  IV.  vii.  44. 

AutJioritw  those  in  power;  I. 
i.  16. 

Avoid,  quit ;  IV.  v.  2r>. 

,  get  you  gone;  IV.  v.  33. 


Baes,  cries  ba;  II.  i.   11. 
Bald,  senseless;  III.  i.  165. 
,    uncovered,    bareheaded ; 

IV.  V.  200. 
Bale,  harm,  injury  ;  "  must  have 

b.,"  "  must  get  the  worst  of 

it  "  ;  I.  i.  166. 
Bare ;  "  a  b.  petition  "  =  a  mere 

petition ;  V.  i.  20. 
Bats,  heavy  sticks ;  I.  i.  58. 
Batten,  grow  fat ;  IV.  v.  33. 
Battle,  army  drawn  up  in  battle 

array ;  I.  vi.  51. 
Beam;  "below  the  b.  of  sight," 

farther  down  than  the  range 

of  sight ;  III.  ii.  5. 
Beard  to  beard,  face  to  face ;  I. 

X.    II. 

Bear  the  knave,  bear  being- 
called  knave ;  III.  iii.  33. 

Because  that, because  ;  III.  ii.  52. 

Bcmock,  intensive  form  of 
mock ;   I.   i.  260. 

Be  naught,  be  lost ;  III.  i.  231. 

Bended,  made  obeisance, 
bowed ;  II.  i.  273. 

Be  off,  take  my  hat  off;  II.  iii. 
105. 

Be  put,  come;  III.  i.  233. 

Best,  i.e.  best,  chief  men  ;  I.  ix.  yy. 

Bestrid,  bestrode,  i.e.  stood 
over  to  defend  a  fallen  sol- 
dier ;  II.  ii.  96. 

Be  that  I  am,  show  myself  in 
my  true  character  ;  I.  x.  5. 

Be-a'rav.   reveal,    show,   betray; 

V.  iii.  95. 

Bisson  conspectuities.  purblind 
powers  of  sight  (Folios  i,  2. 
"  beesome " ;  Folios  3,  4. 
"  heesom  "  and  ''  Besom  ")  ; 
II.  i.  66. 


153 


Glossary 


THE  TRAGEDY  OF 


Bleeding,  i.e.  "  without  having, 
as  it  were,  dressed  and  cured 
it"  (Schmidt)  ;  II.  i.  79. 

Bless'd,  happy;  11.  ii.  61. 

Bless  from,  preserve  from ;  I. 
iii.  48. 

Blood,  offspring,  son  ;  I.  ix.  14. 

Bloivn,  swollen ;  V.  iv.  49. 

Bolted,    sifted,    refined;    III.    i. 

222. 

Bonnet,  cap,  hat ;  III.  ii.  y^- 

Bonneted,  i.e.  unbonneted,  took 
off  their  caps  or  bonnets 
(Johnson  conj.  "  unhonnet- 
ted  ")  ;  II.  ii.  29. 

Bosom  multiplied,  "  the  bosom 
of  that  many-headed  monster, 
the  people"  (Malone)  ;  III. 
i.  131. 

Botcher,  patcher  of  old  clothes  ; 
II.  i.  92. 

Bountiful,  bountifully ;  II.  iii. 
107. 

Brand,  stigma;   III.  i.  304. 

Brawn,  brawny  or  muscular 
part  of  the  arm ;  IV.  v.  123. 

Break  his  neck,  cause  his  down- 
fall, destroy  him ;  III.  iii.  30. 

Breathe  you,  take  breath ;  I. 
vi.  I. 

Briefly,  a  short  time  ago,  lately ; 
I.  vi.  16. 

Broils,  wars;  III.  ii.  81. 

Broke,  broken ;  IV.  iv.  19. 

Brow-bound,    crowned ;    II.    ii. 

TOI. 

Budge,  flee,  flinch  ;  I.  vi.  44. 

Bulks,  the  projecting  parts  of 
shops  on  which  goods  were 
exposed  for  sale ;  II.  i.  218. 

Bussing,  kissing ;  III.  ii.  75. 

By,  at;  I.  vi.  5. 


By,   in  comparison  with ;   I.   x. 

18. 
,  next  to,  near;  III.  i.  loi. 

Cambric,    a    fine     white    linen 

stuff;  I.  iii.  89. 
Came  off,  escaped;  II.  ii.  115. 
Canker'd.   corrupted,   polluted; 

IV.  V.  94. 

Canopy,     i.e.     the     canopy     of 

heaven,  the  sky ;  IV.  v.  40. 
Capital,  deadly;  V.  iii.  104. 
Capitulate,  make  terms;  V.  iii. 

.82. 
Caps     and     legs,     salutations, 

obeisance ;  II.  i.  70. 
Carbonado,  a  piece  of  meat  cut 

and  slashed  for  broiling ;  IV. 

V.  194. 

Casque,  helmet ;  IV.  vii.  '43. 

Catched,  caught ;  I.  iii.  66. 

Cats,  a  term  of  contempt  (Col- 
lier MS.,  "  Curs  "  ;  Staunton 
conj.  "Bats";  Gould  conj. 
"Rats")  ;  IV.  ii.  34. 

Cause,  occasion,  opportunity ; 
II.  iii.  200. 

,  quarrel;  III.  i.  235. 

;  "  as  c.  will  be  obey'd,"  as 

occasion  shall  dictate ;  I.  vi. 
83. 

Cautelous,  crafty ;  IV.  i.  2)2- 

Censure,  judgement;  I.  i.  271. 

,  sentence;  III.  iii.  46. 

Censured,  estimated;   II.  i.  22. 

Centuries,  bodies  of  a  hundred 
men;    I.   vii.   3. 

Centurions,  Roman  officers  who 
had  the  command  of  a  hun- 
dred soldiers ;  IV.  iii.  47. 

Chafed,  vexed,  angered;  III. 
iii.  27. 


154 


CORIOLANUS 


Glossary 


Change  of  honours,  fresh  hon- 
ours, variety  of  honours 
(Theobald,  "  charge  ")  ;  11.  i. 
207. 

Charge,  cost ;  V.  vi.  68. 

Charg'd,  would  charge ;  IV.  vi. 
112. 

Charges,  troops,  companies ; 
IV.  iii.  48. 

Charter,  privilege ;  I.  ix.  14. 

Chats,  chats  of,  gossips  about ; 

II.  i.  216. 

Choice;  "  at  thy  c,"  do  as  you 
like;  III.  ii.  123. 

Choose,  fail  to ;  IV.  iii.  39. 

Chose,  chosen ;  II.  iii.  160. 

Circumvention,  the  power  of 
circumventing ;  I.  ii.  6. 

Clapp'd  to,  quickly  shut ;  I.  i v.  5 1 . 

Clean  kam,  quite  from  the  pur- 
pose; ^a»i  =  crooked ;  III.  i. 
304. 

Clip,  embrace ;  I.  vi.  29. 

Cluck'd,  called,  as  a  hen  does 
(Folio  I,  "  clock'd")  ',  v.  iii. 
163. 

Clusters,  mobs ;  IV.  vi.  122. 

Clutch' d,  if  there  were  clutched  ; 

III.  iii.  71. 

Cockle,  weed  which  grows  in 
cornfields ;  III.  i.  70, 

Cog,  cheat,  cozen ;  III.  ii.  133. 

Coign,  corner;  V.  iv.  i. 

Come  oif,  come  out  of  the  bat- 
tle; I.  vi.  I. 

Comfortable,  cheerful ;  I.  iii.  2. 

Commanded,  entrusted  with  a 
command ;  I.  i.  265. 

Commandment,  command;  II. 
iii.  236. 

Commend,  recommend,  intro- 
duce; IV.  v.  147. 


Common,  commons,  people;  I. 
i.  154. 

Conwion  part,  share  in  com- 
mon ;  I.  ix.  39. 

Companions,  fellows  (used 
contemptuously)  ;   IV.  v.    14. 

Complcxio ns,  temperaments, 
dispositions ;   II.  i,  220. 

Compounded,  agreed;  V.  vi.  84. 

Conclude,  decide ;  III.  i.  144. 

Condemned,  (?)  damnable;  I. 
viii.  15. 

Condition,  disposition ;  II.  iii, 
lOI. 

Confirmed,  determined,  reso- 
lute; I.  iii.  63. 

Confound,  waste;  I.  vi.  17. 

Confusion,  ruin;  III.  i.  no. 

Conies,  rabbits ;  IV.  v.  220. 

Conn'd,  learned;  IV.  i.  11. 

Consent  of,  agreement  about; 
II.  iii.  25. 

Constant,  true  to  my  word;  I. 
i.  242. 

Contrived,  plotted ;  III.  iii.  63. 

Convented,  convened;  II.  ii.  57. 

Converses,  is  conversant,  asso- 
ciates ;  II.  i.  51. 

Corioli  walls,  the  walls  of 
Corioli ;    I.   viii.   8. 

Cormorant,  ravenous;  I.  i.  124. 

Countenance,  mere  patronage; 
V.  vi.  40. 

Counterpoised,  equalled,  coun- 
ter-balanced ;  II.  ii.  90. 

Country  (trisyllabic)  ;  I.  ix.  17. 

Courage,  plain  speaking  (Col- 
lier MS.  and  Singer  MS., 
"carriage")  ;  III.  iii.  92. 

Crack,  boy  (slightly  contemp- 
tuous) ;  I.  iii.  y2. 

Cracking,  breaking;  I.  i.  72. 


155 


Glossary 


THE  TRAGEDY  OF 


Crafted  fair,  made  nice  work  of      Deucalion,  the  Greek  Noah  ;  II 


it;  IV.  vi.  ii8. 
Cranks,  winding  passages ;  I.  i, 

140. 
Cry,  pack;  III.  iii.  120. 

,  proclaim ;  III.  i.  275. 

Cudgel,  thick  stick;  IV.  v.  153. 
Cunning,  knowledge;  IV.  i.  9. 
Cupboarding,    hoarding;     I.     i. 

102. 
Curded,   congealed    (Folios, 

"  curded  "  ;     R  o  w  e ,     "  cur- 
dled"); V.  iii.  66. 
Cypress  grove,  grove  of  cypress 

trees      ( Folios,      "  C  y  p  r  u  s 

grove  ")  ;  I.  x.  30. 

Dances,  causes  to  dance ;  IV.  v. 
119. 

Daws,  jackdaws  (daws  were 
considered  as  emblems  of 
chattering  and  foolish  per- 
sons) ;  IV.  V.  46. 

Debile,  weak ;  I.  ix.  48. 

Declines,  falls;  11.  i.  170. 

Deed-achieving  honour,  honour 
gained  by  achievement;  II.  i. 
182. 

Deliver,  narrate,  tell  vour  tale; 
I.  i.  98. 

,  show;  V.  vi.  141. 

Delivei-'d,  reported;  IV.  vi.  6;^. 

Demand,  ask;  III.  iii.  43. 

Demerits,  merits;  I.  i.  275. 

Deserved,  deserving ;  III.  i.  292. 

Designments,  designs;  V.  vi.  35. 

Despite,  spite;  III.  iii.  139. 

Determine,  terminate,  end ;  III. 
iii.  43. 

Determined  of,  decided,  con- 
cerning; II.  ii.  40. 


1-  95. 

Devour,  destroy;  I.  i.  261. 

Dieted,  fed  up ;  I.  ix.  52. 

Differency,  difference  (so  Fo- 
lio I  ;  Folio  2,  "difference")  ; 
V.  iv.  II. 

Directitude,  a  coined  word  not 
understood;   IV.  v.  216,  217. 

Disbench'd,  drove  from  youi 
seat ;  II.  ii.  74. 

Discharge,  perform  (technical 
term  for  playing  a  part  upon 
the  stage)  ;  III.  ii.  106. 

Disciplined,  thrashed  ;    II.  i.  132. 

Disease,  disturb,  spoil  ;  I.  iii. 
III. 

Disgrace,  humiliation  ;   I.  i.  97. 

D ish  on  ou r' d,  dishonourable  ; 
III.  i.  60. 

Disposition,  five  syllables ;  I.  vi. 
74. 

Dispropertied,  taken  away  (Fo- 
lios 2.  3.  4,  "  dispropor- 
tioned  ")  ;  II.  i.  256. 

Dissentious,  seditious,  rebel- 
lious ;  I.  i.  167. 

Distinctly  ranges,  stands  up- 
right ;  III.  i.  206. 

Doit,  the  smallest  piece  of 
money,  worth  half  a  farthing ; 
a  common  metaphor  for  a 
trifle ;  I.  v.  7. 

Dotant,  dotard;  V.  ii.  46. 

Doublets,  the  inner  garments  of 
a  man ;  I.  v.  7. 

Doubt,  fear ;  III.  i.  152. 

Drachma,  an  ancient  Greek 
coin  (Folios  i.  2,  " Drachme"  ; 
Folios  3,  4,  "  Drachm  "  ; 
Staunton,  "dram.")  ;  I.  v.  6. 

Drop,  shed;  I.  v.  19. 


156 


CORIOLANUS 


Glossary 


Each  zuay,  in  every  way ;  III.  i. 
49- 

Ears;  "by  the  e.,"  quarrelling; 
1.  i.  236. 

Edge,  sword ;  I.  iv.  29. 

Effected,  achieved ;  I.  ix.  18, 

Embarqiiements,  probably  em- 
bargo, restrain,  hinderance 
(Rowe,  "  Enibarkments" ; 
Hanmer,  "Embankments" ; 
Warburton,  "  Embarrments," 
etc.)  ;  I.  X.  22. 

Embracemcnts,  embraces;  I. 
iii.  4. 

Empiricutic,  quackish  (prob- 
ably a  coined  word)  ;  Folios 
I,  2,  "  Emperickqiitiqiie" ; 
Folios  3,  4.  " Empericktique"  ; 
Pope,  "  Emperic  "  ;  Collier 
MS.,  "Empiric  physic")  ;  II. 
i.  121. 

Emulation,  envious  contention ; 

I.  i.  217. 

End ;  "  for  an  e.,"  to  bring  mat- 
ters to  a  crisis  (according  to 
some  =3  to  cut  the  matter 
short)  ;  11.  i.  252. 

End  all  his,  make  all  his  own 
at  last  ("  end,"  a  provincial 
term  for  getting  in  a  har- 
vest) V.  vi.  37. 

Endure,  remain ;  I.  vi.  58. 

Enemy  (used  adjectively;  Fo- 
lio 4.  "enemy's")  ;  IV.  iv. 
24. 

Enforce,  urge,  lay  stress  upon ; 

II.  iii.  225. 

Enter'd  in,  acquainted  with ;  I. 

ii.  2. 
Entertainment,      engaged      for 

service ;   IV.   iii.  48. 
-,  reception  ;  IV.  v.  10. 


Envied  against,  shown  malice, 

ill-will  toward   (Becket  conj. 

"  inveigh' d")  ;  III.  iii.  95. 
Envy,  hatred,  malice ;  III.  iii.  3. 
Envy  you,  show  hatred  against 

you      (Keightley,     "envy     to 

you  ")  ;  III.  iii.  57. 
Estimate,  worth;  III.  iii.  114. 
Even,  equably ;  IV.  vii,  ^y. 
Ever,   ever,   always   the   same ; 

II.  i.  201. 

Exposture,  exposure  ;  IV.  i.  36. 
Extol,  praise,  laud ;  I.  ix.  14. 
Extremities,   urgent   necessity ; 

III.  ii.  41. 

Factionary,    taking    part    in    a 

quarrel ;  V.  ii.  30. 
Factions,    parties,     sides    in    a 

quarrel ;  I.  i.  196. 
Fail  in,  fail  in  granting;  V.  iii. 

90. 
Fair,  kind,  conciliatory ;  III.  iii. 

91. 
Fairness,  best ;  I.  ix.  jt,. 
Falsely,  treacherously  ;  III.  i.  60. 
Fame    and    envy,    detested    or 

odious  fame ;  I.  viii.  4. 
Fane,  temple;  I.  x.  20. 
Fatigate,  fatigued,  wearied;  II. 

ii.  120. 
Favour,  countenance,  look;  IV. 

iii.  9. 
Fear,  fear  for ;  I.  vii.  5. 
Feebling,  weakening ;   I.  i.   198. 
Fell,  cruel ;  I.  iii.  48. 
Fellest,   cruellest,   fiercest ;    IV. 

iv.  18. 
Fidiused,     beaten;     "jocularly 

formed    from    the    name    of 

Aufidius"     (Folios,     "  fid- 

dious'd")  ;  II.  i.  137. 


157 


Glossary 


THE  TRAGEDY  OF 


Fielded,  in  the  field;  I.  iv.  12. 

Fillip,  strike,  beat ;  V.  iii.  59. 

Fire  (dissyllabic)  ;  I.  i.  194. 

Fires  of  heaven,  stars;  I.  iv.  39. 

First,  first-born  (Heath  conj. 
"  fierce  "  ;  Keightley,  "  fair- 
est" -,  Cartwrightconj. 
"dear'st");  IV.  i.  Z2>- 

Fit  o'  the  time,  present  distem- 
perature ;  III.  ii.  ^2>- 

Fit  you,  fit  yourself;  II.  ii.  145. 

Flamens,  priests ;  II.  i.  221. 

Flaw,  gust ;  V.  iii.  74. 

Flouted,  mocked ;  II.  iii.  165. 

Fob  off,  trick,  cheat ;  I.  i.  97. 

Foil'd,  defeated ;  I.  ix.  48. 

Fold-in,  enclose;   III.  iii.  68. 

Fond,  foolish  ;  IV.  i.  26. 

Fool,  play  the  fool ;  II.  iii.  126. 

For,  as  for ;  I.  i.  68. 

,  against;  II.  ii.  91. 

Force,  urge;  III.  ii.  51. 

Fore-advised,  advised,  admon- 
ished beforehand;  II.  iii.  197. 

'Fore  me,  an  oath;  probably 
used  instead  of  "  'fore  God  "  ; 
I.  i.  123. 

Forgot,  forgotten ;  IV.  iii.  3. 

Forsworn  to  grant ;  sworn  not 
to  grant ;  V.  iii.  80. 

Forth,  forth  from,  out  of ;  I.  iv. 

,  gone ;  IV.  i.  49. 

For  that,  because;  I.  i.  116. 

Fosset-seller,  seller  of  fossets 
or  taps  (Folios  i,  2,  3.  "  For- 
set";  Folio  4,  "  Fauset ")  ;  II. 

i.  73- 

Four,  (?)  used  of  an  indefinite 
number  ;  I.  vi.  84. 

Foxship,  ingratitude  and  cun- 
ning; IV.  ii.  18. 


Fragments,  a  term  of  contempt ; 
I.  i.  225. 

Frame,  fashion;  III.  ii.  84. 

Free,  liberal ;  III.  ii.  88. 

Free  contempt,  unconcealed 
contempt ;  II.  iii.  206. 

Freelier,  more  freely ;  I.  iii.  3. 

From  the  canon,  against  estab- 
lished rule  (Mason  takes  the 
words  to  mean  "  according  to 
rule ;  alluding  to  the  absolute 
veto  of  the  tribunes");  III. 
i.  90. 

Front,  confront ;  V.  ii.  43. 

Full  quit  of,  fully  revenged 
upon ;  IV.  v.  86. 

Full  third  part,  by  a  full  third ; 
V.  vi.  78. 

Further,  further  business;  II. 
iii.  179. 

Gall'd,  hurt,   wounded;    II.   iii. 

201. 
Can,  began ;  II.  ii.  118. 
Gangrened,  mortified,  diseased; 

III.  i.  307. 
Garland,  crown,  glory;  I.  i.  187. 
,    i.e.    the    oaken    garland, 

the   prize    of   victory;    II.    ii. 

104. 
Gave   him    zvay,    gave    way    to 

him ;  V.  vi.  32. 
Gave  me,  made  me  suspect ;  IV. 

V.  153. 
General  louts,  stupid  bumpkins  ; 

III.  ii.  64. 
Generosity;  "to  break  the  heart 

of  g.,"  i.e.  "to  give  the  final 

blow  to  the  nobles"    (John- 
son) ;  I.  i.  214. 
Gentry,  gentle  birth  ;   III.  i.  143. 
Giber,  scoffer ;  II.  i.  85. 


158 


CORIOLANUS 


Glossary 


Giddy,  thoughtless  ;  I.  i.  271. 
Gird,  taunt,  jeer  at;  I.  i.  259. 
Give,  represent;  I.  ix.  55. 
Give    me    excuse,    excuse    me, 

pardon  me ;  I.  iii.  114. 
Give  me  way,  yields  to  me ;  IV. 

iv.  25. 
Given,  given  the  power ;  III.  i. 

93- 

Godded,  idolized;  V.  iii.  11. 

God-den,  good  even  (Folio  4, 
"  good-e'en")  ;  II.  i.  97. 

Gone,  ago ;  I.  ii.  6. 

Good,  rich,  with  play  upon  lit- 
eral sense  of  the  word;  I.  i. 
16. 

,  good  quality ;  I.  ix.  32. 

,     (used     ironically)  ;     IV. 

vi.  70. 

Good  condition,  used  in  double 
sense;  (i)  good  terms  of 
treaty ;    (2)    good  character ; 

I.  x.  6. 

Good  report,  reputation ;  I.  ix. 

54. 
Got  on,  won  from ;  III.  iii.  4. 
Grace,  show  honour  to ;  V.  iii. 

15. 
Gracious,  lovely  and  loveable ; 

II.  i.  184. 

Grained     ash,     rough,     tough, 

ashen  spear;  IV.  v.  iii. 
Gratify,  requite ;  II.  ii.  43. 
Greater  part,  majority;   II.  iii. 

41- 
Grief-shot,  sorrow-stricken;  V. 

i.  44. 
Groat,    coin    of    the    value    of 

fourpence ;  III.  ii.  10. 
Guard;     "  upon     my    brother's 

g.,"   under  the  protection  of 

my  brother ;  I.  x.  25. 


Guess,  think,  imagine ;  I.  i.  18. 
Gulf,  whirlpool ;  I.  i.  100. 

Had  carried,  might  have  car- 
ried (or  had  in  effect  car- 
ried) ;  V.  vi.  43. 

Had  purpose,  intended ;  IV.  v. 
122. 

Hale,  haul;  V.  iv.  40. 

Handkerchers,     handkerchiefs ; 

II.  i.  272. 

Hang  by  the  wall,  be  useless ; 
I.  iii.  12. 

Hap,  happen,  chance ;  III.  iii. 
24. 

Hardly,  with  difficulty ;  V.  ii. 
75- 

Has,  he  has  (Folio  3.  " Ha's" ', 
Folio  4,  "  H'as")  ;  III.  i.  161. 

Haver,  he  who  has  it,  pos- 
sessor ;  II.  ii,  88. 

Have  struck,  have  been  stri- 
king ;  I.  vi.  4. 

Have  them  into,  get  them- 
selves into ;  II.  ii.  30. 

Have  zuith  you,  I  am  with 
you  ;  come  on  ;  II.  i.  278. 

Havoc,    merciless    destruction ; 

III.  i.  275. 

Head ;  "  made  new  h  e  a  d," 
raised  a  fresh  army  ;  III.  i.  i. 

Hear  hither,  hear  the  sound 
here ;  I.  iii.  2,2- 

Heart,  sense;  II.  iii.  210. 

Helms,  those  at  the  helm,  i.e. 
the  leaders;  I.  i.  79. 

,  helmets ;  IV.  v.  128. 

Helps,  remedies;  III,  i.  221. 

Here,  "  at  this  point,  suiting 
the  action  to  the  word " 
(Wright)  ;  III.  ii.  74. 

Hereto,  hitherto;  II.  ii.  63. 


159 


Glossary 


THE  TRAGEDY  OF 


Hie,  hasten;  I.  ii.  26. 
Him,  i.e.  this  one ;  I.  vi.  36. 
Hint,  occasion,  that  which  gives 
matter   and  motive ;    III.   iii. 

23. 

Hob  and  Dick,  familiar  names 
of  clowns;  Hob  diminutive 
of  Robert  {cp.  colloquial  use 
"Tom,  Dick,  and  Harry"); 
II.  iii.  121. 

Hold,  bear;  III.  ii.  80. 

Holloa,  cry  hollo !  after  me, 
pursue    (Folios,  "hollow")  ) 

I.  viii.  7. 

Holp,  helped ;  III.  i.  277. 
Home,  to  the  utmost ;  I.  iv.  38. 

,   thoroughly ;   "  speak  him 

h.,"    adequately    praise    him; 

II.  ii.   106. 

Honour  d,    honourable ;    III.    i. 

72. 
Hoo,    an   exclamation    of    joy; 

II.  i.  no. 
Hoop'd,  i.e.  whooped,  hollowed, 

hooted;  ly.  v.  8r. 
Horse-drench,     physic     for     a 

horse ;  II.  i.  123. 
Hospitable    canon,    sacred    law 

of  hospitality;  I.  x.  26. 
Hours,    time    (Rowe    [ed.    2], 

"honours")  ;  I.  v.  5. 
Housekeepers,  keepers,   stayers 

at  home ;  I.  iii.  54. 
Hum,    to    make    a    sound    ex- 
pressive     of      contempt      or 

anger     (Quartos,     "hem"); 

V.  i.  49. 
Humorous,  full   of  whims  and 

humours ;  II.  i.  47. 
Hungry,  sterile ;  V.  iii.  58. 
Husbandry,  management ;     IV. 

vii.  22. 


Huswife,  housewife ;  I.  iii.  74. 
Hydra,    the     fabulous    serpent 

with    many    heads    killed   by 

Hercules ;  III.  i.  93. 

Impediment ;  "  your  i.,"  "  the 
obstacles  opposed  by  you  '" ; 
I.  i.  74- 

Imperfect,  faulty  (as  a  magis- 
trate) ;  II.  i.  50. 

In,  of;  II.  ii.  14. 

,  into;   II.  iii.  264;   III.   ii. 

91. 

.  by;  III.  i.  210. 

.  on ;  III.  iii.  102. 

Incorporate,  forming  one  body; 

I.  i-  133. 

Iniirmity,  weakness;  "of  their 
i.,"  subject  to  the  same  faults 
and  failings  as  they;  III.  i. 
82. 

Information,  the  source  of  in- 
formation, informant ;  IV.  vi. 

53- 
Ingrate,  ungrateful ;  V.  ii.  89. 
Ingrateful,   ungrateful ;     II.    ii. 

34- 
Inheritance,   possessor;    III.    ii. 

68. 
Inherited,  realised,  enjoyed;  II. 

i.  207. 
Injurious,  insulting;  III.  iii.  69. 
Injury,  sense  of  wrong;  V.i.64. 
Innovator,    one    who    changes 

things  for  the  worse ;  III.  i. 

175; 

Interims,  intervals;  I.  vi.  5. 

Inter  join,  cause  to  intermarry; 
IV.  iv.  22. 

Issues,  children  ;  IV.  iv.  22. 

It  is,  he  is  (used  contemptu- 
ously) ;  IV.  V.  46. 

160 


CORIOLANUS 


Glossary 


Jack  guardant,  a  Jack  on 
guard ;  V.  ii.  64. 

Jealous  queen  of  heaven,  i.e. 
Juno,  the  guardian  of  con- 
jugal fidelity;  V.  iii.  46. 

Judicious,  judicial;  V.  vi.   127. 

Jump,  risk,  hazard  (Pope, 
"vamp";  Singer  [ed.  2], 
"imp  ")  ;   III.  i.   154. 

Kicked  at,  scorned,  spurned ;  II. 

ii.  127. 
Knee,  go  on  your  knees ;  V.  i. 

6. 

Lack'd,  had  lost ;  III.  ii.  23. 

Lamentation;  "to  all  our  1.," 
to  the  sorrow  of  us  all ;  IV. 
vi.  34- 

Lamm,  alarm,  the  call  to  arms ; 
I.  iv.  9. 

Late,  lately;  III.  i.  196. 

Lay,  lodged;  I.  ix.  82. 

Leads,  leaden  roofs  of  the 
houses ;  IV.  vi.  82. 

Leash,  the  string  or  chain  by 
which  a  greyhound  is  held; 
I.  yi.  38.        ' 

Leasing,  falsehood ;  V.  ii.  22. 

Leave,  leave  off ;  I.  iii.  90. 

Leaves,  leave ;   IV.  v.   136. 

Lenity,  mildness,  want  of  se- 
verity ;  III.  i.  99. 

Lessfi',  less  (Folios  i,  2,  ''  les- 
sen"; Rowe,  "Less  for"); 
I.  vi.  70. 

Lesson'd,  taught  by  us ;  II.  iii. 
183. 

Let  go,  let  it  go,  let  it  pass ; 
III.  ii.  18. 

Lets,  he  lets;  II.  ii.  15. 

Lies,  lodges,  dwells;  IV.  iv.  8. 


Lies  you  on,  is  incumbent  upon 

you ;  III.  ii.  52. 
Licve,  lief,  gladly  (Folios  2.  3, 

"live";     Folio     i,     "Hue"; 

Capell,  "lief");   IV.  v.    181. 
Like,  equal ;  I.  i.   103. 

,  likely ;   I.  iii.  14. 

Liking,   good   opinion,    favour; 

Li.  198. 
Limitation,   required    time;    II. 

iii.  144. 
List,  listen,  hear ;  I.  iv.  20. 

,  pleasest ;  III.  ii.  128. 

Lockram,    coarse    linen ;    II.    i. 

217. 
Long    of    vou,    owing   to   you ; 

V.  iv.  32. 
'Longs,  belongs ;  V.  iii.  170. 
Looks,    seems    likely,    promises 

(Hanmer,     "zvorks")  ;     III. 

iii.  29. 
Lose,    waste,    by    preaching   to 

them  in  vain  ;  II.  iii.  64. 
Lots  to  blanks  =  all  the  world 

to   nothing    (lots  =  prizes   in 

the  lottery ;   the  reference   is 

to  the  value  of  the  lots,  not 

to  the  number)  ;  V.  ii.  10. 
Lover,     loving    friend ;     V.     ii. 

14. 
Lurch'd,  robbed;  II.  ii.  104. 

Made  doubt,  doubted;  I.  ii.  18. 
Made    fair   hands,   made    good 

work;  IV.  vi.  117. 
Made    head,    raised    an    army ; 

II.  ii.  91. 
Maims     of     shame,     shameful. 

disgraceful    injuries;    IV.    v. 

89. 
Make  a  lip,  curl  up  my  lip  in 

contempt ;  II.  i.  120. 


161 


Glossary 


THE  TRAGEDY  OF 


Make  good,  hold,  defend;  I.  v. 

13- 
Malice,  hatred;  II.  i.  236. 
Malkin,    kitchen-wench ;    prob- 
ably contraction  of  Matilda ; 

II.  i.  216. 
Mammocked,  tore  in  pieces;  I. 

iii.  69. 
Man-entered,     initiated     into 

manhood ;  II.  ii.  102. 
Manifest,  notorious  ;  I.  iii.  54. 
Mankind   (i.)    masculine;    (ii.) 

a  human  being;  IV.  ii.  16. 
Many,     multitude      (Folio      i. 

"meynic"\       Folios      2.       3. 

"meyny";   III.  i.  66. 
Mark,  power ;   II.   ii.   92. 
Match,  bargain  ;  II.  iii.  85. 
Measles,  scurvv  wretches ;  III. 

i.  78. 
Meed,  reward;    II.   ii.    100. 
Memory,  memorial ;   IV.  v.  74. 
Mercy;  "at  m.,"  at  the  mercy 

of  the  conquered ;  I.  x.  7. 
Merely,  absolutely;  III.  i.  305. 
Met,     are     met      (Hanmer, 


''  meet "  ;  Capell,  "  are  met  "  : 
Anon   conj.    "we've    met"); 
II.  ii.  50. 
Microcosm,  little  world ;   II.  i. 

64. 

Minded,  reminded ;  V.  i.  18. 

Minnows,  small  fry;  III.  i.  89. 

Mirth;  "our  better  m.,"  "our 
mirth.  which  would  be 
greater  without  her  com- 
pany"  (Schmidt)  ;  I.  iii.  iii. 

Misery,  wretchedness,  poverty; 
II.  ii.   130. 

Mock'd,  scoffed  at;  II.  iii.  164. 

Modest,  moderate  ;  III.  i.  275. 

Moe,  more ;  II.  iii.  130. 

Monster'd,  exaggerated ;  II.  ii. 
80. 

More,  greater;  III.  ii.  124. 

Mortal,  fatal;  II.  ii.  114. 

,  mortally ;  V.  iii.  189. 

Motion,  motive;  II.  i.  51. 

;  "your  loving  m.  to- 
wards," "  your  kind  interpo- 
sition with"  (Johnson);  TI. 
ii.  56. 


Mummers. 


(a)  From  the  Romance  of  Faiivel  'n  the  National  Library,  Paris. 
\b)  From  a  MS.  in  the  Bodleian  Library  copied  by  Strutt. 


162 


CORIOLANUS 


Glossary 


Mountebank    their    loves,    play 

the  mountebank  to  win  their 

love ;  III.  ii.  132. 
Movers,    loafers    in    search    of 

plunder ;  I.  v.  5. 
Mull'd,  flat,  insipid ;  IV.  v.  233. 
Multitudinous       tongue,       the 

tongues    of    the     multitude ; 

III.  i.  156. 

Mummers,  maskers,  masque- 
raders ;  II.  i.  yy.  (Cp.  illus- 
tration.) 

Muniments,  supplies  of  war; 
I.  i.  121. 

Murrain;  "a  m.  on't,"  a  plague 
upon.it  (an  oath)  ;  I.  v.  3. 

Muse,  wonder;  III.  ii.  7. 

Mutiners,  mutineers ;   I.  i.  253. 

My  horse  to  yours,  I  '11  wager 
my  horse  to  yours ;   I.   iv.  2. 

Name,  credit ;  II.  i.  142. 

Napless,  threadbare ;  II.  i.  242. 

Native,  origin,  source  (John- 
son and  Heath  conj.  "mo- 
tive") ;  III.  i.  129. 

Nature,     natural      disposition ; 

IV.  vii.  41. 

Navel,  centre;  III.  i.  123. 

Needer,  the  man  needing  the 
advantage ;  IV.  i.  44. 

Nerves,  sinews;  I.  i.  141. 

Nervy,  sinewy;  II.  i.  169. 

Never-needed ;  "  so  n.n.,"  i.e. 
never  so  needed ;  V.  i.  34. 

Nicely-gazvded,  daintily  be- 
decked (Lettsom  conj. 
"nicely-guarded")  ;  II.  i. 
225. 

Noble,  nobles ;  III.  i.  29. 

Noble  touch,  tested  nobility ; 
IV.  i.  49. 


Noise    and    horn,    noisy    horn; 

III.  i.  95. 

Nose,  to  scent ;  V.  i.  28. 

Not,  not  only   (Hanmer,  "not 

only")  ;  III.  iii.  97. 
Note,  notice ;  I.  ix.  49. 
.Nothing,  not  at  all;  I.  iii.  105. 
Notion,   understanding;    V.  vi. 

107. 
Now,  just;  I.  ix.  79. 

Object,  sight ;  I.  i.  20. 

Occupation ;  "the  voice  of  o.," 
i.e.  "  the  votes  of  the  work- 
ing men  "  ;  IV.  vi.  97. 

O'er-beat,  overwhelm  (Folios, 
"  0' re-beat  "  ;  Rowe,  "  o'er- 
bcar"\  Becket  conj.  "  o'er- 
bear't")  ;  IV.  v.  134. 

O'er-peer,  rise  above;  II.  iii. 
126. 

Of,  from ;  II.  iii.  243. 

,  concerning ;  I.  i.  272. 

,  by;  I.  ii.  13. 

Offe/d,  attempted ;  V.  i.  23. 

,    about,   of   the   value   of ; 

IV.  iv.  17. 

,  on  ;  II.  iii.  213. 

OiRce  me  from,  use  your  office 
to  keep  me  from ;  V.  ii.  65. 

Official  marks,  tokens  of  office ; 
II.  iii.  146. 

On,  of  (Folios  i,  2.  "one"); 
I.  ii.  4. 

Once,  once  for  all  ;  II.  iii.  i. 

,  once  when ;  II.  iii.  16. 

One  danger,  ( ?)  "  constant 
source  of  danger"  (Theo- 
bald, "our");  III.  i.  288.  . 

Only,  sole ;  I.  ix.  36. 

On  's,  of  his ;  I.  iii.  70. 

On't,  of  it;  III.  i.  152. 


163 


Glossary 


THE  TRAGEDY  OF 


Oj)c,  open;  I.  iv.  43. 

Opinion,  public  opinion ;  I.  i. 
274. 

Opposcr,  opponent;  IV.  iii.  36. 

Opposite,  opponent ;   II.  ii.  22. 

Oraiigc-zuifc,  woman  who  sells 
oranges ;   II.  i.  72. 

Ordinance,  rank;  III.  ii.  12. 

Osprey,  the  fishing  hawk  or 
eagle,  supposed  to  have  the 
power  of  fascinating  fish 
(Folios,  "  Aspray")  ;  IV.  vii. 

34. 
Our,       from       us        (Hanmer, 

"their'';        Ingleby        conj. 

"for";   Lettsom  conj.   "a"; 

Kinnear,  "as")  ;   III.  i.   121. 
Out,  thoroughly,  out  and  out; 

IV.  V.  124. 
Outdares,  exceeds   in  bravery ; 

I.  iv.  53. 
Out     0'     door,    out     of     doors 

(Folio  I,  "out  a  doore")  ;  I. 

iii.  114. 


From  a  terra-cotta  figure  found  at 
Moulins-sur-Allier,  France. 


Out  of;  "  out  of  daily  fortune," 
i.e.  "  in  consequence  of  unin- 
terrupted success  "  ;  IV.  vii. 
38. 

Overta'cn,  come  up  with, 
equalled ;  I.  ix.  19. 

Owe,  own ;  III.  ii.  130. 

Owe  you,  exposed  you  to;  V. 
vi.  139. 

Pack-saddle;  II.  i.  93.  {Cp. 
illustration.) 

Palates;  "the  greatest  taste 
most  p.  theirs,"  the  predomi- 
nant taste  savours  most  of 
theirs  (Johnson,  ''  must  pal- 
ate") ;  III.  i.  104. 

Paltering,  equivocation,  tri- 
fling;  III.  i.  58. 

Parcel,  part ;  IV.  v.  225. 

Parcels,  portions ;  I.  ii.  32. 

Part,  side ;  I.  x.  7. 

Parted,  departed ;  V.  vi.  JT)- 

Participate  :=  participating ;  I. 
i.  106. 

Particular,  personal ;  IV.  v.  89. 

,  private  interest ;  IV.  vii.  13. 

,  personal  relation ;  V.  i.  3. 

Particularize,  specify,  empha- 
size ;  I.  i.  21. 

Particulars ;  "  by  p.,"  one  by 
one ;  II.  iii.  48. 

Party,  side,  part ;  I.  i.  237. 

Pass,  pass  by,  neglect;  II.  ii. 
142. 

Pass  doubt,  without  doubt;  II. 
iii.  263. 

Patience;  "  by  your  p.,"  by 
your  leave ;   I.  iii.  78. 

Pawn'd,  pledged;  V.  vi.  21. 

Penelope,  the  wife  of  Ulysses ; 
I.  ii.  92. 


164 


CORIOLANUS 


Glossary 


Pent,    the     sentence    of    being 

pent ;  III,  iii.  89. 
Perceive 's,  perceive  his;   II.  ii. 

159. 

Pcrcfuptory,     firmly     resolved ; 

III.  i.  286. 
Pestering,    thronging ;    IV.    vi. 

7. 

Physical,  salutary ;  I.  v.  19. 

Pick,  pitch ;  I.  i.  203. 

Piece,  piece  of  money,  coin ; 
III.  iii,  32. 

,  add  to ;  II.  iii.  218, 

Piercing,  sharp,  severe;  (?) 
mortifying;  I.  i.  86, 

Pikes,  (i.)  lances,  spears,  (ii.) 
pitch-forks  (used  with  play 
on  both  senses)  ;  I.  i.  23. 

Place;  "  his  p.,"  i.e.  the  consul- 
ship;  II.  i,  158. 

Please  it,  if  it  please ;  V.  vi. 
140. 

Plebeii,  plebeians  (Rowe, 
"plebeians")  ;  II.  iii.  190, 

Plot;  "  single  p.,"  my  own  per- 
son, body;  III.  ii.  102. 

Points,  commands  (as  if  given 
by  a  trumpet)  ;  IV.  vi.  125. 

Poison,  destroy ;  V,  ii,  89. 

Poll,  number,  counted  by  heads 
(Folios,  ''pole")  ;  III.  i.  134. 

Polled,  bared,  cleared  (origi- 
nally cut  the  hair)  ;  IV.  v. 
209. 

Poorest,  smallest ;  III.  iii.  32. 

Portance,  bearing,  demeanour ; 
II,  iii,  230, 

Ports,  gates;   I,  vii,   i. 

Possessed,  informed ;  II.  i.  139. 

Post,  messenger ;  V.  vi.  50. 

Pot;  "to  the  p.,"  to  certain 
death  ;  I.  iv.  47, 


Potch,  poke ;  I,  x.  15. 
Pother,  uproar;  II.  i.  226. 
Pound   up,     shut    up    as    in     a 

pound ;  I.  iv.  17. 
Power,   army,   armed   force ;   I. 

ii.  9. 
Pow,   ivozv,  pooh,   pooh;   II.   i. 

150. 
Practice,     stratagem ;      IV.     i. 

Prank  them,  deck  themselves 
(used  contemptuously)  ;   III. 

Precipitation,     precipitousness ; 

III.  ii.  4. 

Preparation,  force  ready  for  ac- 
tion ;  I.  ii.  15. 

Present,  present  time,  oppor- 
tunity ;  I.  vi,  60. 

,  immediate,  instant;  III.  i, 

212, 

Presently,  immediately,  at 
once ;  IV.  v.  223. 

Press'd,  impressed,  forced  into 
service ;  I.  ii.  9, 

Pretences,  intentions ;  I.  ii.  20. 

Progeny,  race ;  I,  viii.  12. 

Pronounce,  pronounce  the  sen- 
tence;  III.  iii.  88. 

Proof;  "  more  p.,"  more  capa- 
ble of  resistance ;  I.  iv.  25. 

Proper,  own ;  I.  ix.  57. 

Properly,  as  my  own  personal 
matter ;  V.  ii.  87. 

Proud;  "p.  to  be  "  =  proud  of 
being ;  I.  i.  262. 

Provand,  provender  (Pope, 
"provender")  ;  II.  i.  259. 

Prove,  put  to  the  proof ;  I.  vi. 
62. 

Puling,    whining,    whimpering ; 

IV.  ii.  52. 


Glossary 


THE  TRAGEDY  OF 


Pupil  age,  pupilage,  minority 
(Folios  2,  3,  4.  "Pupil- 
age") ;  II.  ii.  loi. 

Purpose;  "  our  p.  to  them,"  of 
announcing  our  intention  to 
them  (i.e.  the  people)  ;  II.  li. 

155; 

Put  in  hazard,  risked;  II.  iii. 
262. 

Put  upon,  incited,  urged:  II.  i. 
264. 

Put  you  to 't,  put  you  to  the 
test ;  I.  i.  232. 

Put  you  to  your  fortune,  re- 
duce you  to  the  necessity  of 
making  the  chances  of  war ; 
III.  ii.  60. 

Putting  on,  instigation;  II.  iii. 
258. 

Quaked,   made   to    shudder ;    I. 

ix.  6. 
Quarry,  technically,  game  alive 

or    dead;    here,    a    heap    of 

dead(ahuntingterm) ;  Li. 201. 
Quarter  d,  slaughtered  ;  I.  202. 
Quired,  sang  in  harmony ;   III. 

ii.  113. 

Rack'd,  strained  to  the  utmost ; 
V.  i.  16. 

Rakes,  (i.)  instruments  for 
raking,  (ii.)  good  for  noth- 
ing men  (used  with  play  on 
both  senses  of  the  word)  ;  I. 
i.  24. 

Rapt,  enraptured;  IV.  v.  119. 

Rapture,  fit ;  II.  i.  215. 

Rascal,  originally,  a  lean  and 
worthless  deer;  with  play  on 
both  meanings  of  the  word ; 
I.  i.  162. 


Reason  ^=  "  there  is  reason  for 

it  "  ;  IV.  V.  241. 

,  argue  for;   V.  iii.   176. 

,  converse ;  I.  ix.  58. 

Reasons,  arguments ;  V.  vi.  59. 
Receipt;  "  his  r.,"  that  which  he 

received ;  I.  i.  115. 
Receive  to  heart,  take  to  heart ; 

IV.  iii.  22. 
Reckless,  thoughtless  ;  III.  i.  92. 
Recommend,  commit  the  task; 

II.  ii.  154. 
Rectorship,    guidance ;     II.    iii. 

211. 
Reechy,      dirty      (literally 

smoky)  ;  II.  i.  217. 
Reek,  vapour;  III.  iii.  121. 
Rejourn,  adjourn;  II.  i.  y^- 
Remains,  it  remains  ;  II.  iii.  145. 
Remove;  "  for  the  r.,"  to  raise 

the  siege;   I.  ii.  28. 
Render,  render  up,  give ;  I.  ix. 

34. 

Repeal,  recall  from  banish- 
ment ;  IV.  vii.  32. 

Repetition,  utterance,  mention ; 
I.  i.  47. 

Report,  reputation ;  II.  i.  122. 

;     "give     him     good     r.." 

speak  well  of  him ;  I.  i.  ^S- 

Request,  asking  the  votes  of 
the  people ;  II.  iii.  148. 

Require,  ask;  II.  ii.  159. 

Rest,  stay ;  IV.  i.  39. 

Restitution;  "to  hopeless  v.," 
so  that  there  were  no  hope 
of  restitution ;  III.  i.  16. 

Retire,  retreat;  I.  vi.  (direc). 

Rheum,  tears  ;  V.  vi.  46. 

Ridges  horsed,  ridges  of  house- 
roofs  with  people  sitting 
astride  of  them ;  II.  i.  219. 


166 


CORIOLANUS 


Glossary 


Ripe  aptness,  perfect  readiness  ; 

IV.  iii.  23. 
Road,  inroad;  III.  i.  5. 
Rome  gates,  the  gates  of  Rome  ; 

IV.  V.  208. 
Roted,  learned  by  rote  ;  III.  ii. 

55-  _ 
Ruh,  impediment ;  a  term  taken 

from  the  game  of  bowls;  III. 

i.  60. 
Ruth,  pity ;  I.  i.  200. 

Safe-guard ;  "  on  s.,"  under  pro- 
tection of  a  guard ;  III.  i.  9. 

Sat,  if  there  sat ;  III.  iii.  70. 

Save  you,  i.e.  God  save  you  (a 
common  form  of  salutation)  ; 
IV.  iv.  6. 

Say,  say  on,  speak;  III.  iii.  41. 

Scabs,  a  term  of  extreme  con- 
tempt ;  here  used  quibbling- 
ly;  I.  i.  169. 

Scaling,  weighing,  comparing; 
II.  iii.  255. 

Scandal'd,  defamed;   III.  i.  44. 

Scarr'd,  wounded;  IV.  v.  112. 

Scorn  him,  disdain  to  allow 
him ;  III.  i.  268. 

Scotched,  cut,  hacked ;  I\'\  v. 
192. 

'Sdeath,  a  contraction  of  God's 
death,  a  favorite  oath  of 
Queen  Elizabeth ;  I.  i.  220. 

Season'd,  "  established  and  set- 
tled by  time,  and  made  famil- 
iar to  the  people  by  long  use  " 
(Johnson)  ;  "  well-ripened  or 
matured  and  rendered  palata- 
ble to  the  people  by  time " 
(Wright);  "qualified,  tem- 
pered" (Schmidt);  III.  iii. 
64. 


Seeking,  request,  demand;  I. 
i.  191. 

Seld-shown,  seldom  seen;  II.  i. 
221. 

Self ;  "  Tarquin's  self,"  Tarquin 
himself ;  II.  ii.  97. 

Sennet,  a  particular  set  of  notes 
played  on  the  cornet  or  trum- 
pet;  II.  i.  170. 

Sensible,  sensitive ;  I.  iii.  89. 

Sensibly,  endowed  with  feel- 
ing ;  sensibility ;  I.  iv.  53. 

Servanted  to,  subject  to;  V.  ii. 
86. 

Set  dozini  before  's,  besiege  us  ; 
I.  ii.  28. 

Set  on,  incited,  instigated  (  ?  go 
on!)  ;  III.  i.  58. 

Set  up  the  bloody-flag,  i.e.  de- 
clare war  (a  red  flag  was  the 
signal   for  battle)  ; 

Several,  separate ;  IV. 

Sezi'ing,  embroidering ; 

Shall,  shall  go ;  III.  i. 

Shall 's,    shall    we    go 
148. 

Shame,  be  ashamed;  II. 

Shcnt,   reproved,    rated 

lOI. 

Shop,  workshop  ;  I.  i.  136. 
Should,  would ;  II.  iii.  25. 
Show'd,  would  appear;  IV.  vi. 

114. 
Shozv'st,  appearest ;  IV.  v.  65. 
Shrug,  shrug  the  shoulders  as 

not  believing  the  story ;  I.  ix. 

4- 
Shunless,  not  to  be  shunned  or 

avoided ;  II.  ii.  115. 
Side,  take  sides  with  ;  I.  i.  196. 
Silence,  silent  one;  II.  i.  184. 
Since  that,  since;  III.  ii.  50. 


II.  i. 

77- 

V.    12 

5- 

I.  iii. 

55- 

31. 

IV. 

vi. 

[.  ii.  7 

0. 

d;    V. 

ii. 

167 


Glossary 


THE  TRAGEDY  OF 


Single,  insignificant,  simple 
(used     quibblingly)  ;     11.     i. 

37- 

Singly,  by  a  single  person;  II. 
ii.  90. 

Singularity ;  "  more  than  s.," 
i.e.  independently  of  his  own 
peculiar  disposition;  I.  i.  281. 

Sithence,  since ;  III.  i.  47. 

Sits  dozvn,  begins  the  siege ; 
IV.  vii.  28. 

Slight,  insignificant ;  V.  ii.   106. 

Sliglitness,  trifling;  III.  i.  148. 

Slip;  "  let  s.,"  let  loose  (a 
hunting  term)  ;  I.  vi.  39. 

Small,  clear  and  high;  III.  ii. 
114. 

Smote,  struck  at;  III.  i.  319. 

Soft,  gentle ;  III.  ii.  82. 

Soldier   (trisyllabic)  ;   I.  i.   119. 

Solemness,  gravity;  I.  iii.  114. 

So  made  on,  made  so  much  of; 
IV.  V.  197. 

So  many  so,  as  many  as  are 
so ;  I.  vi.  72)' 

Some  certain,  some  ;  II.  iii.  59. 

Something,  somewhat;  II.  i. 
49. 

Sometime,  at  one  time,  for- 
merly;  III.  i.   115. 

Sooth'd,  flattered;  II.  ii.  76. 

Soothing,  flattery ;  I.  ix.  44. 

,  flattering;  III.  i.  69. 

Sort,  manner ;  I.  iii.  2. 

South;  "all  the  contagion  of 
the  s.  light  on  you,"  the  south 
was  regarded  as  the  quarter 
from  which  diseases  and 
noxious  vapours  came ;  I. 
iv.  30. 

Sozvl,  pull  by  the  ears ;  IV.  v. 
207. 


Speak,     proclaim     themselves ; 

III.  ii.  41. 
Speed,  turn  out;  V.  i.  61. 
Spices,  samples ;  IV.  vii,  46. 
Spirit     (monosyllabic)  ;     II.    i, 

169, 
Spot,  figure,  pattern ;  I.  iii.  56. 
Spritely,  lively;  IV.  v.  231. 
Stain,  eclipse ;  I.  x.  18. 
Stale 't,  make  it  stale    (Folios, 

"  scale  't")  ;  I.  i.  95. 
Stamp'd,  given  the  impress  of 

truth  to ;  V.  ii.  22. 
Stand,  stop  ;  V.  vi.   128. 
Stand  to,  uphold ;  III.  i.  208. 

,  stand  by ;  V.  iii.   199. 

Stand  upon,  insist  upon;  I.  ix, 

39- 

Stand  zvith,  be  consistent  with; 
II.  iii.  90. 

State,  government;   IV.  iii,   11. 

Stay  upon,  wait  but  for;  V.  iv. 
8. 

Steep  Tarpcian  death,  death  by 
being  hurled  from  the  high 
Tarpeian  rock  ;  III.  iii.  88. 

Stem,  the  forepart  of  a  ship ; 
II.  ii.  no. 

Sticks  on,  is  fixed  on  like  an 
ornament ;  I.  i.  274. 

Stiff,  obstinate  (perhaps  =  un- 
able to  move)  ;  I.  i.  244. 

Still,  ahvays,  constantly ;   II.  i. 

254- 

Stitchery,  stitching,  needle- 
work ;  I.  iii.  yT)- 

Stocks.  (The  specimen  here 
engraved  was  discovered  at 
Pompeii,  and  is  now  pre- 
served in  the  Museo  Bor- 
bonico  at  Naples)  ;  V,  iii. 
160. 


16S 


CORIOLANUS 


Glossary 


Stocks. 


Stood,  stood  lip  in  defence  of; 
IV.  vi.  45- 

Stood  to  't,  made  a  stand,  stood 
firm ;  IV.  vi.  lo. 

Store;  "good  store,"  good 
quantity;  I.  ix.  32. 

Stout,  proud;  III.  ii.  78. 

Stoutness,  pride;  III.  ii.  127. 

Straight,  straightway,  immedi- 
ately; II.  ii.  119- 

Stretch  it  out,  extending  its 
power  to  the  utmost ;   II.   ii. 

54- 

Stride,  bestride;  I.  ix.  71. 

Strucken,  struck;  IV.  v.  152. 

Stuck,  hesitated;  II.  iii.  I7- 

Subdues,  subjects  him  to  pun- 
ishment ;  I.  i.  179- 

Subtle,  smooth  and  deceptive; 
V.  ii.  20. 


Like  to  a  bowl  upon  a  subtle  ground. 
From  Strutt's  copy  of  an  illumination 
in  a  Book  of  Prayers  belongu-g  to 
Douce. 


Sudden,  hasty;  II.  iii.  257. 

Sufferance,  suffering ;  I.  i.  22. 

,    endurance ;    "  against    all 

noble  s.,"  beyond  the  endu- 
rance of  the  nobility;  III.  i. 
24. 

Suggest,  prompt ;  II.  i.  253. 

Summon  the  tozvn,  i.e.  to  sur- 
render ;  I.  iv.  7. 

Surcease,  cease;  III.  ii.  121. 

Surer;  "  no  s.,"  no  more  to  be 
depended  upon;   I.  i.   175- 

Surety,  be  sureties  for;  III.  i. 
178. 

Szuay,  bear  sway;  II.  i.  212. 

Szvifter  composition,  making 
terms    more   quickly;    III.    i. 

3- 
Szi'orn  brother;  people  who 
had  taken  an  oath  to  share 
each  other's  fortunes  were 
called  fr aires  jurat i,  sworn 
brothers;  II.  iii.  ico. 

Tabor,  a  small  drum  of  mediae- 
val origin,  usually  strapped 
upon  the  left  arm  between 
wrist  and  elbow  and  beaten 
by  the  right  hand;  I.  vi.  25. 
(Cp.  illustration). 


169 


Glossary 


THE  TRAGEDY  OF 


From  a  XlVth  cent.  MS.  in  the 
National  Library,  Paris. 

Ta'enforth,  chosen,  selected ;   I. 

ix.  34- 
Ta'en  note,  noticed;  IV.  ii.  lo. 
Tag,  rabble;  III.  i.  248. 
Taints,  infects;   IV.  vii.  38. 
Take  in,  subdue,  capture ;  I.  ii. 

24. 
Take  lip,  cope  with  ;  III.  i.  244. 
Taken   well,    interviewed    at    a 

favourable  time ;  V.  i.  50. 
Tame,  ineffectual :  IV.  vi.  2. 
Target,  a   small   shield ;   IV.  v. 

123. 
Tauntingly,      mockingly.       dis- 
paragingly   (Folio    I.   "  taint- 
ingly  "  ;  Folios  2,  3.  "  tanting- 

ly");  I.  i.  113. 

Temperance,  moderation,  self- 
restraint  ;  III.  iii.  28. 

Tent,  probe;  I.  ix.  31. 

,  probe  (verb)  ;  III.  i.  236. 

.  tent,  encamp;  III.  ii.  116. 

Tetter,  infect  with  tetter,  i.e. 
eruption  on  the  skin ;   III.  i. 

79. 
Than    those,    than    she    is    to 

those ;  I.  v.  25. 
That's,  that  has;  II.  ii.  82. 
That's   off,  that   is   nothing  to 

the  purpose ;  II.  ii.  6^. 


Thread,     file    through     singly ; 

III.  i.  124. 
Tiber,  figurative  for  water;  II. 

i.  49. 
Tiger-footed,    tiger-like,    "  has- 
tening   to    seize    its    prey " ; 

III.  i.  312. 
Time,  immediate  present ;  pres- 
ent time ;  II.  i.  277. 
,   "  the   t.,"   i.e.  the  age   in 

which     one     lives ;     IV.     vii. 

50. 
'Tis  right,  it  is  true,  it  is  just 

as  you  say ;  II.  i.  244. 
To,  according  to ;  I.  iv.  57, 

,  compared  to ;  II.  i.  121. 

,  against;  IV.  v.  130. 

,  "  to  his  mother  "  =  for  his 

mother;  V.  iii.  178. 
Told,  foretold ;  I.  i.  230. 
Took,  took  effect,  told;   II.   ii. 

III. 
To  's  power,  to  the  utmost  of 

his  ability,   as   far  as   lay   m 

his  power ;  II.  i.  254. 
To  't,  upon  it ;  IV.  ii.  48. 
Toiich'd,    tested,    as    metal    is 

tested  by  the  touchstone ;  II. 

iii.  197- 
Traducement,   calumny ;    I.    ix. 

22. 
Traitor;  "  their  t.."  a  traitor  to 

them ;  III.  iii.  69. 
Translate,    transform ;     II.    iii. 

195. 
Transport,    bear,    carry ;    II.    i. 

232. 
Treaty,  proposal,  tending  to  an 

agreement ;  II.  ii.  58. 
Trick,  trifle;   IV.   iv.  21. 
Triton,    Neptune's    trumpeter; 

III.  i.  80. 


170 


CORIOLANUS 


Glossary 


7 roth  ;  "  o'  my  t.,"  on  my  word 
(a  blight  oath)  ;  I,  iii.  62. 

,  faith;  IV.  ii.  49, 

,  truth ;  IV.  v.  192. 

True  purchasing,  honest  earn- 
ing;  II.  i.    148. 

Trumpet,  trumpeter  ;  I.  v.  4.  5. 

Tuns,  large  casks,  IV,  v.  102. 

Turn,  put;  III.  i.  284. 

Twins,  are  like  twins ;  IV.  iv. 
15. 

Unactive,  inactive ;  I.  i.  loi.  * 

Unbarb'd  sconce,  unarmed, 
bare,  head  (sconce,  used  con- 
temptuously; Becket  conj. 
"  imbarhed"  ;  Nicholson 
conj.  "  embarbed")  III.  ii. 
99. 

Unborn;  "all  cause  u.,"  no 
cause  existing;  III.  i.  129. 

Undercrest,  wear  as  on  a  crest ; 
I.  ix.  y2. 

Under  fiends,  fiends  of  hell ;  IV. 
V.  95. 

Ungravely,  without  dignity ;  II. 
iii.  231. 

Unhearts,  disheartens;  V.  i.  49. 

Unlike,  unlikely;   III.  i.  48. 

Unmeriting,  as  undeserving ;  II. 

i.  43. 
Unproperly,  improperly ;  V.  iii. 

54. 
Unscann'd,  inconsiderate ;    III. 

i.  313- 

Unseparable,  inseparable ;  IV. 
iv.  16. 

Unsever'd,  inseparable ;  III.  ii. 
42. 

Upon,  laid  upon ;  III.  ii.  141. 

,  on  account  of,  in  conse- 
quence of ;  II.  i.  236. 


Upon,  against;  III.  iii.  47. 
Used;  "  as  'twas  used,"  as  they 

used  to  do;  III.  i,  114. 
Ushers,  forerunners;  II.  i.  167. 

Vail,  let  fall,  lower;  III.  i.  98. 

Vantage,  advantage,  benefit ;  I. 
i.  163. 

Vantage;  "  v.  of  his  anger."  i.e. 
the  favourable  opportunity 
which  his  anger  will  afiford ; 

II.  iii.  266. 

Variable,  various,  all  kinds;  II. 
i.  220. 

Vazvard,  vanguard ;  I.  vi.  53. 

Vent,  get  rid  of;  I.  i.  228. 

;  "  full  of  v.,"  keenly  ex- 
cited, full  of  pluck  and  cour- 
age (a  hunting  term)  ;  IV.  v. 
232. 

Verified,  supported  the  credit 
of  (or  spoken  the  truth  of)  ; 
V.  ii.  17. 

Vexation,  anger,  mortification ; 

III.  iii.  140. 
Viand,  food ;  I.  i.  102. 
Virginal,  maidenly ;  V.  ii.  44. 
Virgin' d  it,  been  as  a  virgin ;  V. 

iii.  48. 
Virtue,  valour,  bravery;  I.  i.  41. 
Voice,  vote  (verb)  ;  II.  iii.  240. 
!    Voices,  votes ;  II.  ii.   143. 
'Voided,        avoided        (Folios 

"voided")  ;  IV.  v.  85. 
Vouches,  attestations  ;  II.  ii.  122. 
Vulgar  station,   standing   room 

among  the  crowd ;  II.  i.  223. 

Wail,  bewail ;  IV.  i.  26. 
Want,  am  wanting  in ;  I.  iii.  85. 
Warm    at's    heart,    i.e.    he    is 
gratified;  II.  iii.  148. 


171 


Glossary 


THE  TRAGEDY  OF 


Warrant,  measures;  III.  i.  276, 

War's  garland,  laurel  wreath, 
the  emblem  of  glory  ;   I.  ix.  60. 

Watch' d,  kept  guard;  11.  iii. 
132. 

Waved,  would  waver;  II.  ii.  18. 

Waving,  bowing;  III.  ii.  yy. 

Waxed,  grew,  throve  (Folio  2, 
"  wated " ;  Folios  3,  4, 
"waited")  ;  II.  ii.  103. 

Weal,  good;  welfare;  I.  i.  154. 

,    commonwealth ;     II.    iii. 

187. 

Wealsmen,  statesmen ;  II.  i.  55. 

Weeds,  garments ;  II.  iii.  159. 

Well-found,  fortunately  met 
with ;  II.  ii.  47. 

What,  why;  III.  i.  317. 

,  exclamation  of  impa- 
tience ;  IV.  i.  14. 

Wheel,  make  a  circuit ;  I.  vi.  19. 

Where,  whereas ;  I.  i.  103. 

Where  against,  against  which; 
IV.  V.  no. 

Which,  who;  I.  i.  191. 

Whither    (monosyllabic)  ;    I^'^. 

i.34. 

Who,  he  who :  I.  i.  179. 

,  whom  ;  II.  i.  7. 

,  which;  III.  ii.  119. 

Wholesome,  suitable,  reason- 
able; II.  iii.  66. 

Whom,  which ;  I.  i.  267. 

Wills;  "  as  our  good  w.."  ac- 
cording to  our  best  efforts ; 
II.  i.  250. 

IVind,  advance  indirectly,  in- 
sinuate ;  III.  iii.  65. 


Win  upon,  gain  advantage,  get 
the  better  of  (Grant  White 
conj.  "  win  open")  ;  I.  i.  223. 

With,  by;  III.  iii.  7. 

Withal,  with;  TIL  i.  141. 

]Vith  us,  as  we  shall  take  ad- 
vantage of  it ;  III.  iii.  30. 

Wives,  women  ;  IV.  iv.  5. 

Woollen,  coarsely  clad;  III.  ii. 
9- 

JVook'ish  togc,  "  rough  hirsute 
gown"  (Johnson);  v.  Note; 
II.' iii.  120. 

Word,  pass-word,  watch-word; 
III.  ii.  142. 

Worn,  worn  out ;  III.  i.  6. 

IJ^orsliip,  dignity,  authority; 
III.  i.  141. 

Worst  in  blood,  in  the  worst 
condition ;  I.  i.  162. 

Worth;  "his  w.  of  contradic- 
tion," "  his  full  quota  or  pro- 
portion of  contradiction '" 
(Malone)  ;  III.  iii.  26. 

Worthy;  "is  w.  of,"  is  de- 
serving of,  deserves ;  III.  i. 
211. 

,  justifiable;  III.  i.  241. 

Wot,  know;   IV.  v.   167. 

Wreak,  vengeance ;  IV.  v.  88. 

Wrench  up,  screw  up,  exert;  I. 
viii.  II. 

Yield,  grant;  II.  ii.  57. 

You  may,  you  may,  go  on,  poke 

your  fun  at  me ;  II.  iii.  39. 
Yoiingly,  young ;  II.  iii.  242. 


172 


CORIOLANUS 


Critical  Notes. 

BY   ISRAEL   GOLLANCZ. 


I.  i.  177,179.  'your  virtue,  etc.;  "your  virtue  is  to  speak  well 
of  him  whom  his  own  offences  have  subjected  to  justice;  and  to 
rail  at  those  laws  by  which  he  whom  j-ou  praise  was  punished  " 
(Johnson). 

I.  iii.  12.  '  Picture-like  to  hang 
by  the  wall.'  "  Ancient  wall  pic- 
tures were  usually  paintings  in  fres- 
co ..  .  but  the  Pompeian  wall- 
paintings  furnish  us  with  the  an- 
nexed curious  example  of  a  portable 
picture  (protected  by  folding  leaves) 
placed  over  a  door,  and  inclining 
forward  by  means  of  strings  secured 
to  rings  after  the  fashion  of  those 
in  our  own  houses." 

I.  iii.  16.  '  bound  with  oak,'  as  a 
mark  of  honour  for  saving  the  life 
of  a  citizen. 

I.  iii.  46.  'At  Grecian  sword,  con- 
temning,' etc. ;  Folio  i  reads,  '  At 
Grecian     sword.     Contenning,     tell 

Valeria,'  etc.;  the  reading  in  the  text  is  substantially  Collier's; 
many  emendations  have  been  proposed ;  perhaps  a  slightly  better 
version  of  the  line  would  be  gained  by  the  omission  of  the  comma. 

I.  iv.  14.  'that  fears  you  less';  Johnson  conj.  'but  fears  you 
less';  Johnson  and  Capell  conj.  'that  fears  you  more';  Schmidt, 
'  that  fears  you, — less.'  The  meaning  is  obvious,  though  there  is 
a  confusion,  due  to  the  case  of  the  double  negative  in  '  nor '  and 
'  less.' 

I,  iv.  31.  'you  herd  of — Boils,'  Johnson's  emendation.  Folios 
I.  2,  'you  Heard  of  Byles';  Folios  3,  4,  'you  Herd  of  Biles'; 
Rowe,  'you  herds  of  biles';  Pope  (ed.  i),  'you  herds;  of  boils'; 


173 


Notes 


THE  TRAGEDY  OF 


you!  herds  of  boils':  Collier  MS.,  '«n- 


,'ed  ' ;    so    Folios    2,    3,    4 ;    Folio    i, 
(ed.  i),  'trenches  follow';   (ed.  2), 
Dyce,    Lettsom    conj.    'trenches:    follow 

Calues ' 


Pope  (ed.  2),  Theobald, 
heard  of  boils ' ;  etc.,  etc. 

I.  iv.    42.  '  trenches    folloi' 
'  trenches  followes ' ;  Collier 
'  trenches.     Follow  ! 
me ' ;  etc. 

I.  iv.  57.  '  Cato's';  Theobald's  emendation  of  Folios, 
and  '  Calves ' ;  Rowe,  '  Calvus.' 

I.  vi.  6.  ' ye'\  Folios,  'the' 

I.  vi.  76.  Folios.  '  O,  me  alone!  make  you  a  sivord  of  me?' ;  the 
punctuation  in  the  text  is  Capell's.     Clarke's  explanation,  making 

the  line  imperative,  seems  the 
most  plausible  : — "  O  take  me 
alone  for  weapon  among  you 
all !  make  yourselves  a  sword  of 
me," 

I.  ix.  41-53.  The  chief  de- 
parture from  the  folios  in  this 
doubtful  passage  is  the  substitu- 
tion of  '  coverture  '  for  '  over- 
ture' as  conjectured  by  Tyr- 
whitt ;  'him'  is  seemingly  used 
here  instead  of  the  neuter  '  it.' 

II.  i,  52.  'A  cup  of  hot  wine.' 
Cp.  the  subjoined  drawing  of  an 
urn  discovered  at  Pompeii.  A  is 
a  cylindrical  furnace,  B  B  spaces 
for  holding  the  liquor  to  be 
warmed.  This  is  poured  in  at  C, 
and  drawn  out  by  a  cock  on  the 
other  side. 

II.  i,  221-2.  '  the  bleared  sights  are 
spectacled  to  see  him.'  Spectacles  were 
not  known  till  the  XlVth  century.  An 
early  form  of  them  may  be  seen  in  the 
subjoined  cut  copied  from  a  painting 
dated  1490. 

II.  i.  233.  '  end,'  i.e.  to  where  he 
should  end. 

II.  i.  263.  'touch,'  Hanmer's  emen- 
dation :  Folios,  '  teach ' ;  Theobald, 
'reach.' 


174 


CORIOLANUS  Notes 

II.  iii. 63-64.  ' virtues  IV hich  our  divines  lose  by 'em/  i.e.  which,  our 
divines  preach  to  men  in  vain  ' ;  but  the  line  is  possibly  corrupt. 

II.  iii.  120.  '  wulvish  toge' ;  Steevens'  conj.,  adopted  by  Malone : 
Folio  I  reads  'Wooluish  tongue;  Folios  2,  3,  4,  'Woolvish  gowne' ; 
Capell,  'wolfish  gown';  Mason  conj.  'woollen  gown,'  or  'foolish 
gown';  Beckett  conj.  '  woolish  gown';  Steevens'  conj.  'woolvish 
tongue';  Grant  White  conj.  'foolish  togue';  Clarke  (?)  '  wool- 
'nish,'  i.e.  '  woolenish.' 

II.  iii,  249-251.  vide  Preface. 

III.  i.  93.  'Hydra  here';  i.e.  'the  many-headed  multitude';  so 
Folio  2. 

III.  i.  98-101.  i.e.  "let  your  admitted  ignorance  take  a  lower 
tone  and  defer  to  their  admitted  superiority"  (Clarke). 

III.  i.  230.  'your';  Rowe's  emendation  of  Folios,  'our.' 

III.  ii.  21.  '  thwartings  of;  Theobald's  reading;  ¥o\\os,,'  things 
of ;  Rowe,  '  tilings  that  thwart' ;  Wright  conj.  '  things  that  cross.' 

III.  ii.  32.  'to  the  herd';  Warburton's  suggestion,  adopted  by 
Theobald;  Folios,  'to  the  heart';  Collier  MS.,  '  o'  th'  heart';  etc. 

III.  ii.  56.  'though  but  bastards  and  syllables';  Capell,  'but 
bastards';  Seymour  conj.  'although  but  bastards,  syllables';  Bad- 
ham  conj.  'thought's  bastards,  and  but  syllables.' 

III.  ii.  64.  'I  am  in  this';  Warburton,  'In  this  advice  I  speak 
as  your  wife,  your  son,'  etc. 

III.  ii.  69.  '  that  want,'  i.e.  the  want  of  that  inheritance. 

III.  ii.  78.  'Which  often,  thus,  correcting  thy  stout  heart'; 
Johnson,  'With  often,'  etc.;  Capell,  'And  often';  Staunton  conj. 
'While  often';  Nicholson  conj.  '  Whiles-often' ;  Warburton, 
'  Which  soften.' 

III.  iii.  35.  'among 's,'  i.e.  among  us;  Folio  i,  '  amongs';  Folios 
2,  3,  4,  '  amongst  you  ' ;  Pope,  '  amongst  you  ' ;  Capell,  '  among  us.' 

III.  iii.  36.  '  throng,'  Theobald's  and  Warburton's  emendation 
of  Folios,  '  Through.' 

III.  iii.  55.  'accents,'  Theobald's  correction  of  Folios,  'actions.' 

III.  iii.  130.  'not';  Capell's  correction  of  Folios,  'but.' 

IV.  i.  7-9.  'fortune's  blows,  When  most  struck  home,  being 
gentle  wounded,  craves  A  noble  cunning';  i.e.  "When  Fortune's 
blows  are  most  struck  home,  to  be  gentle,  although  wounded,  de- 
mands a  noble  philosophy"  (Clarke).  Pope,  'gently  warded'; 
Hanmer,  'greatly  warded';  Collier  MS.,  'gentle-minded.' 

IV.  iv.  23.  'My  birth-place  hate  I,  and  my  love's  upon  ';  Capell's 
emendation.  Folio  i  reads,  '  My  Birth-place  have  I,  and  my  hues 
upon ' ;  Folios  2,  3,  '  My  Birth-lace  have  I,  and  my  lover  upon ' ; 

17s 


Notes  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Folio  4,  'My  Birth-place  have  I,  and  my  Lover  left;  xipon'  \  Pope, 
'My  birth-place  have  I  and  my  lovers  left';  Beckett  conj.  'My 
country  have  I  and  my  lovers  lost'  etc. 

IV.  V.  62).  'appearance' ',  Folio  i,  '  opparance '  (probably  the 
recognised  form  of  the  word,  representing  the  pronunciation  at 
the  time. 

IV.  vii.  51-53.  The  sense  of  the  lines  should  be  to  this  effect: — 
"  Power  is  in  itself  most  commendable,  but  the  orator's  chair, 
from  which  a  man's  past  actions  are  extolled,  is  the  inevitable 
tomb  of  his  power."  The  passage  is  crude,  and  many  suggestions 
have  been  advanced. 

IV.  vii.  55.  '  falter,'  Dyce's  ingenious  reading ;  the  Camb.  ed. 
following  Folios  '  fouler/ 

V.  i.  69.  Many  emendations  have  been  proposed  to  clear  up  the 
obscurity  of  the  line.  It  appears  to  mean  either  (i.)  that  Corio- 
lanus  bound  Cominius  by  an  oath  to  yield  to  his  conditions;  or 
(ii.)  that  Coriolanus  was  bound  by  an  oath  as  to  zuhat  he  would 
not,  unless  the  Romans  should  yield  to  his  conditions.  Johnson 
proposed  to  read — 

"  IV hat  he  would  not. 
Bound  by  an  oath.     To  yield  to  his  conditions," — 
the  rest  being  omitted.     Many  attempts  have  been  made  to  im- 
prove the  passage,  but  no  proposal  carries  conviction  with  it. 
V.  ii.  yy.  'your';  so  Folios  i,  2,  3;  Folio  4.  'our.' 
V.  ii.  86-88.  '  though  I  owe  My  revenge  properly,'  i.e.  '  though 
revenge  is  my  own,  remission  belongs  to  the  Volscians.' 

V.  vi.  152.  '  Trail  your  steel  pikes';  a  mode  of  showing  honour 
pertaining  to  the  Shakespearian  rather  than  to  the  classic  era. 
The  subjoined  illustration  is  copied  from  a  plate  in  a  volume 
descriptive  of  the  funeral  ceremony  of  the  Prince  of  Orange  at 
Delft,  1647. 


CORIOLANUS 


Explanatory  Notes. 


The  Explanatory  Notes  in  this  edition  have  been  specially  selected  and 
adapted,  with  emendations  after  the  latest  and  best  authorities,  from  the 
most  eminent  Shakespearian  scholars  and  commentators,  including  Johnson, 
Malone,  Steevens,  Singer,  Dyce,  Hudson,  White,  Furness,  Dowden,  and 
others.  Tiiis  method,  here  introduced  for  the  first  time,  provides  the  best 
annotation  of  Shakespeare  ever  embraced  in  a  single  edition. 


ACT  FIRST. 
Scene  I. 

[Citizens.]  Gervinus  thinks  that  if  we  observe  closely  we  shall 
not  find  the  people  here  represented  as  so  very  bad.  We  must 
distinguish  between  the  way  in  which  they  really  act  and  the  way 
in  which  the  mockers  and  despisers  of  the  people  represent  them ; 
we  may  then  soon  find  that  the  populace  in  Julius  Cccsar  appear 
much  worse  than  in  Coriolanus.  In  Antony  and  Cleopatra, 
where  the  people  had  ceased  to  be  of  any  importance,  they  no 
longer  appear ;  in  Julius  CcBsar,  where  their  degeneracy  ruined 
the  republic,  they  are  shown  in  all  their  weakness ;  in  Coriolanus, 
where  they  can  oppose  but  not  stop  the  progress  of  Rome's  politi- 
cal career,  they  appear  equally  endowed  with  good  and  bad 
([ualities. 

40.  Thus  in  North's  Plutarch  :  "  But  touching  ^lartius.  the  only 
thing  that  made  him  to  love  honour  was  the  joy  he  saw  his 
mother  did  take  of  him.  For  he  thought  nothing  made  him  so 
happy  and  honourable,  as  that  his  mother  might  hear  every  body 
praise  and  commend  him,  that  she  might  always  see  him  return 
with  a  crown  upon  his  head,  and  that  she  might  still  embrace 
him  with  tears  running  down  her  cheeks  for  joy." 

99  ct  seq.  The  fable  of  TJic  Belly  and  the  Members  has  been 
traced  far  back  in  antiquity.  It  is  found  in  several  ancient  col- 
lections of  ^sopian  fables  so  that  there  is  as  much  reason  for 
making  .^sop  the  author  of  this  as  of  many  others  that  go  in 
his    name.      Shakespeare    was    acquainted    with    a    very    spirited 

177 


Notes  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

version  of  it  in  Camden's  Remains ;  but  he  was  chielly  indebted 
for  the  matter  to  North's  Plutarch,  where  it  is  very  interestingly 
given. 

139.  the  seat  0'  the  brain : — According  to  the  old  philosophy, 
the  heart  was  the  seat  of  the  understanding ;  hence  it  is  here  called 
the  court.  So  in  a  previous  speech  (line  119)  :  The  counsellor 
heart. 

162.  Thou  rascal,  etc. : — The  meaning  seems  to  be,  "  thou 
worthless  scoundrel,  though  thou  art  in  the  worst  plight  for 
running  of  all  this  herd  of  plebeians,  like  a  deer  not  in  blood, 
thou  takest  the  lead  in  this  tumult  in  order  to  obtain  some  private 
advantage  to  thyself." 

208.  proverbs: — Trench,  speaking  of  proverbs,  says  that  "in  a 
fastidious  age,  indeed,  and  one  of  false  refinement,  they  may  go 
nearly  or  quite  out  of  use  among  the  so-called  upper  classes. 
No  gentleman,  says  Lord  Chesterfield,  or  *  no  man  of  fashion,' 
as  I  think  is  his  exact  phrase,  '  ever  uses  a  proverb.'  And  with 
how  fine  a  touch  of  nature  Shakespeare  makes  Coriolanus,  the 
man  who,  with  all  his  greatness,  is  entirely  devoid  of  all  sym- 
pathy for  the  people,  to  utter  his  scorn  of  them  in  scorn  of  their 
proverbs,  and  of  their  frequent  employment  of  these." 

Scene  II. 

9.  press' d: — The  use  of  press' d  in  this  place  is  well  explained 
by  a  passage  in  North's  Plutarch  :  "  The  common  people,  being 
set  on  a  broile  and  bravery  with  these  words,  would  not  appeare 
when  the  consuls  called  their  names  by  a  bill,  to  presse  them  for 
the  warres.  Martius  then,  who  was  now  growne  to  great  credit, 
and  a  stout  man  besides,  rose  up  and  openly  spake  against  these 
flattering  tribunes :  but  to  the  warres  the  people  by  no  means 
would  be  brought  or  constrained." 

14.  Titus  Lartius: — North's  Plutarch  has  been  closely  followed 
in  this  Scene :  "  In  the  country  of  the  Volsces,  against  whom  the 
Romans  made  war  at  that  time,  there  was  a  principal  city  and  of 
most  fame,  that  was  called  Corioles.  before  the  which  the  Consul 
Cominius  did  lay  siege.  Wherefore  all  the  other  Volsces,  fearing 
lest  that  city  should  be  taken  by  assault,  they  came  from  all 
parts  of  the  country  to  save  it,  intending  to  give  the  Romans 
battle  before  the  city,  and  to  give  an  onset  on  them  in  two  several 
places.  The  Consul  Cominius,  understanding  this,  divided  his 
army  also  into  two  parts ;  and  taking  the  one  part  with  himself, 

178 


CORIOLANUS  Notes 

he  marched  towards  them  that  were  drawing  to  the  city  out  of 
the  country:  and  the  other  part  of  his  army  he  left  in  the  camp 
with  Titus  Lartius  (one  of  the  vaHantest  men  the  Romans  had  at 
that  time)  to  resist  those  that  would  make  any  sally  out  of  the 
city  upon  them." 

Scene  III. 

[Volumnia  and  Virgilia.]  Of  this  "very  gr?ceful  scene,  in 
which  the  two  Roman  ladies,  the  wife  and  mother  of  Coriolanus. 
are  discovered  at  their  needle-work,  conversing  on  his  absence 
and  danger,"  Mrs.  Jameson  says  that  over  it  "  Shakespeare,  with- 
out any  display  of  learning,  has  breathed  the  very  spirit  of  classi- 
cal antiquity.  The  haughty  temper  of  Volumnia,  her  admiration 
of  the  valour  and  high  bearing  of  her  son,  and  her  proud  but  un- 
selfish love  for  him,  are  finely  contrasted  with  the  modest  sweet- 
ness, the  conjugal  tenderness,  and  the  fond  solicitude  of  his  wife 
Virgilia." 

i6.  hound  u-itJi  oak  : — This  incident  is  related  with  much  spirit 
in  North's  Plutarch  :  "  The  first  time  he  went  to  the  wars,  being 
but  a  stripling,  was  when  Tarquine  surnamed  the  Proud  did 
come  to  Rome  with  all  the  aid  of  the  Latines.  and  many  other 
people  of  Italy;  even  as  it  were  to  set  up  his  whole  rest  upon  a 
battel  by  them,  who  with  a  great  and  mighty  army  had  under- 
taken to  put  him  into  his  kingdome  againe ;  not  so  much  to 
pleasure  him,  as  to  overthrow  the  power  of  the  Romaines,  whose 
greatnesse  they  both  feared  and  envied.  In  this  battel,  wherein 
are  many  bote  and  sharpe  encounters  of  either  party,  Martins 
valiantly  fought  in  the  sight  of  the  Dictator ;  and,  a  Romaine 
soldier  being  throwne  to  the  ground  even  hard  by  him,  Martins 
straight  bestrid  him.  and  slue  the  enemie  with  his  owne  hands, 
that  had  before  overthrowne  the  Romaine.  Hereupon,  after  the 
battell  was  won,  the  Dictator  did  not  forget  so  noble  an  act,  and 
therefore  first  of  all  he  crowned  Martins  with  a  garland  of  oaken 
boughes.  For  whosoever  saveth  the  life  of  a  Romaine,  it  is  a 
manner  among  them  to  honour  him  with  such  a  garland." 

Scene  IV. 

53.  WJio  sensibly  outdares,  etc.: — Hudson  reads  ''sensible,  out- 
dares." Whitelaw  interprets :  "  The  endurance  of  the  man  is 
more  wonderful  than  that  of  the  sword,  because  he  can  feel  and 

179 


Notes  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

the  sword  cannot,  and  yet  he  endures  the  longer."  Sidney's 
Arcadia  has  a  similar  thought:  "  Their  very  armour  by  piecemeal 
fell  away  from  them :  yet  their  flesh  abode  the  wounds  constantly, 
as  though  it  were  less  sensible  of  smart  than  the  senseless 
armour." 

56,57.  a  soldier»even  to  Cato's  zvisli: — Thus  North's  Plutarch: 
"  For  he  was  even  such  another  as  Cato  would  have  a  souldier 
and  a  captaine  to  be ;  not  only  terrible  and  fierce  to  lay  about  him. 
but  to  make  the  enemy  afeard  with  the  sound  of  his  voice  and 
grimnesse  of  his  countenance."  Cato  was  not  born  till  some  255 
years  after  the  death  of  Coriolanus.  The  Poet  was  perhaps  led 
into  the  anachronism  by  not  observing  the  difference  between 
historical  narrative  and  dramatic  representation. 


Scene  V. 

4.  their  hours: — Several  commentators  have  changed  hours  to 
honours,  but  hows  is  ascertained  to  be  the  right  reading  by  re- 
ferring to  the  authority  which  the  Poet  followed:  "The  city 
being  taken  in  this  sort,  the  most  part  of  the  souldiers  began  in- 
continently to  spoile,  to  carry  away,  and  to  looke  up  the  bootie 
they  had  wonne.  But  Martins  was  marvellous  angry  with  them, 
and  cryed  out  on  them,  that  it  was  no  time  now  to  looke  after 
spoile,  and  to  runne  stragling  here  and  there  to  enrich  them- 
selves." 

Scene  VI. 

41  et  seq.  "  The  author  of  Coriolanus,"  says  Bagehot.  "  never 
believed  in  a  mob,  and  did  something  towards  preventing  any- 
body else  from  doing  so."  Shakespeare,  he  adds,  had  a  disbelief 
in  the  middle  classes,  and  no  opinion  of  traders.  "  You  will  gen- 
erally find  that  when  a  citizen  is  mentioned,  he  is  made  to  do  or 
to  say  something  absurd." 

Scene  VII. 

I.  keep  your  duties: — The  picture  of  the  commotions  of  the 
republic  exhibits  also  the  qualities  that,  restraining  those  commo- 
tions within  limits,  excluded  the  last  violences  of  faction  and  al- 
lowed the  progress  of  the  state  in  its  imperial  career  notwith- 

180 


OORIOLANUS  Notes 

standing.  We  see  the  regulating  as  well  as  the  exciting  powers 
and  principles — we  see  the  more  clearly  therefore  what  danger  is 
ever  in  waiting,  and  by  the  relaxation  of  what  moral  restraint  it 
will  be  fatally  admitted,  with  equal  misery,  whether  by  the  popular 
or  the  patrician  side. 

Scene  VIII. 

12.  the  whip  of  your  bragg'd  progeny : — The  whip  or  scourge 
with  which  your  boasted  progenitors  (progeny  used,  singularly 
for  this)  punished  their  enemies. 

14.  [They  fight  .  .  .  driven  in  breathless.]  Brandes  says: 
"  The  hero's  bodily  strength  and  courage  are  strained  to  the 
mythical.  He  forces  his  way  single-handed  into  a  hostile  town, 
holds  his  own  there  against  a  whole  army,  and  finally  makes 
good  his  retreat,  wounded  but  not  subdued.  Even  Bible  tradition, 
in  which  divine  aid  comes  to  the  rescue,  cannot  furnish  forth  such 
deeds.  Neither  Samson's  escape  from  Gaza  (Judges  xvi.)  nor 
David's  from  Keilah  (i  Samuel  xxiii.)  can  compare  with  this 
amazing  exploit." 

Scene  IX. 

10,  II.  The  meaning  appears  to  be  that  what  he  has  done  here 
is  but  as  a  morsel  compared  to  Marcius's  full  feast  of  battle  at 
Corioli. 

19.  Hath  overta'cn  mine  act: — "That  is,  has  done  as  much  as 
I  have  done,  insomuch  as  my  ardour  to  serve  the  state  is  such  that 
I  have  never  been  able  to  effect  all  that  I  wished."  So  says  Ma- 
lone.  "  The  meaning,"  as  Rolfe  thinks,  "  seems  rather  to  be  :  he 
that  has  done  his  best  has  come  up  with  me,  for  that  is  all  I  have 
done." 

82  et  seq.  I  sometime  .  .  .  freedom  : — The  Poet  found  this 
incident  thus  related  in  Plutarch  :  "  Onely  this  grace,  said  he.  I 
crave,  and  beseech  you  to  grant  me  :  Among  the  Volsces  there  is 
an  old  friend  and  hoast  of  mine,  an  honest  wealthy  man  and  now 
a  prisoner;  who,  living  before  in  great  wealth  in  his  owne  coun- 
trey,  liveth  now  a  poore  prisoner  in  the  hands  of  his  enemies ; 
and  yet.  notwithstanding  all  this  his  misery  and  misfortune,  it 
would  do  me  great  pleasure,  if  I  could  save  him  from  this  one 
danger,  to  keepe  him  from  being  sold  as  a  slave." 

181 


Notes  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Scene  X. 

10  et  seq. : — Upon  this  speech  of  Autidius  Coleridge  remarks : 
"  I  have  such  deep  faith  in  Shakespeare's  heart-lore,  that  I  take 
for  granted  that  this  is  in  nature;  although  I  cannot  in  myself 
discover  any  germ  of  possible  feeling,  which  could  wax  and  un- 
fold itself  into  such  a  sentiment.  However,  I  perceive  that  in 
this  speech  is  meant  to  be  contained  a  prevention  of  shock  at  the 
after-change  in  Aufidius's  character."  In  connection  with  this  note 
see  Verplanck's  observations  upon  Aufidius  (originally  made  upon 
these  remarks  of  Coleridge)  in  the  Critical  Comments  prefixed 
to  this  play. 

ACT  SECOND. 
Scene  I. 

39-41.  The  allusion  here  is  to  the  fable,  that  every  man  has  a 
bag  hanging  before  him,  in  which  he  puts  his  neighbour's  faults; 
and  another  behind  him,  in  which  he  stows  his  own. 

48,49.  a  cup  of  hot  wine,  etc.: — There  is  a  similar  expression 
in  Lovelace's  little  song.  To  Althca,  from  Prison: — 

"  When  flowing  cups  run  swiftly  round, 
With  no  allaying  Thames ; 
Our  careless  heads  with  roses  bound. 
Our  hearts  with  loyal  flames." 

51-53.  converses  more  .  .  .  morning: — Rather  a  late  lier- 
down  than  an  early  riser.  So  in  Love's  Labour's  Lost,  V.  i.  88, 
89:  "In  the  posteriors  of  this  day,  which  the  rude  multitude  call 
the  afternoon." 

87-89.  Our  very  priests  .  .  .  you  are: — Brandes  says: 
"  That  Shakespeare  held  the  same  political  views  as  Coriolanus 
is  amply  shown  by  the  fact  that  the  most  dissimilar  characters 
approve  of  them  in  every  particular,  excepting  only  the  vioknt 
and  defiant  manner  in  which  they  are  expressed.  Menenius's  de- 
scription of  the  tribunes  of  the  people  is  not  a  whit  less  scathing 
than  that  of  Marcius." 

121.  Galen: — Certain  critics  have  made  merry  at  the  Poet  for 
thus  making  Menenius  refer  to  Galen,  the  person  speaking  having 
lived  about  650  years  before  the  person  spoken  of.     Upon  whom 

182 


CORIOLANUS  Notes 

does  It  devolve  to  determine  whether  the  anachronism  were  per- 
petrated in  ignorance  or  in  contempt  of  historical  accuracy? 

184.  Gracious  silence  probably  means  "  thou  whose  silent  tears 
are  more  eloquent  and  grateful  to  me  than  the  clamorous  applause 
of  the  rest."  Thus  in  Jonson's  Every  Man  out  of  his  Humour : 
"  You  shall  see  sweet  silent  rhetoric  and  dumb  eloquence  speaking 
in  her  eye."  Gracious  is  frequently  used  by  Shakespeare  for 
grateful,  acceptable. 

271  efseq.  Here  we  have  another  anachronism;  the  Romans 
being  represented  as  doing  what,  in  the  days  of  chivalry,  was  done 
at  tiltings  and  tournaments  in  honour  of  the  successful  combatant. 

Scene  II. 

[Enter  two  OiHcers,  etc.]  Brandes  observes  that  even  the  voice 
of  one  of  the  two  serving-men  of  the  Capitol  exalts  Coriolanus 
and  justifies  his  scorn  for  the  love  or  hatred  of  the  people,  the 
ignorant,  bewildered  masses.  "  We  perceive,"  he  adds,  "  that  the 
Poet  has  taken  no  particular  pains  to  disguise  his  own  voice." 

86-88.  It  is  held  that  valour,  etc. :— This  thought  was  evidently 
borrowed  from  Plutarch :  "  Now  in  those  dales,  valiantnes  was 
honoured  in  Rome  above  all  other  vertues ;  which  they  call  by  the 
name  of  vertue  it  selfe,  as  including  in  that  generall  name  all 
other  specially  vertue  besides." 

98.  struck  him  on  his  knee:— Not  that  he  gave  Tarquin  a  blow 
on  the  knee,  but  gave  him  such  a  blow  as  made  him  fall  on  his 
knee. 

Scene  III. 

55-60.  When  his  friends  insist  upon  his  conforming  to  custom 
and  appearing  in  person  as  applicant,  Shakespeare,  who  has 
hitherto  followed  Plutarch  step  by  step,  here  diverges,  in  order 
to  represent  this  step  as  being  excessively  disagreeable  to  Mar- 
cius.  According  to  the  Greek  historian,  Coriolanus  at  once  pro- 
ceeds with  a  splendid  retinue  to  the  Forum,  and  there  displays 
the  wounds  he  has  received  in  the  recent  wars ;  but  Shakespeare's 
hero  cannot  bring  himself  to  boast  of  his  exploits  to  the  people, 
nor  to  appeal  to  their  admiration  and  compassion  by  making  an 
exhibition  of  his  wounds.  He  finally  yields,  but  has  hardly  set 
foot  in  the  Forum  before  he  begins  to  curse  at  the  position  in 
which  he  has  placed  himself. 

183 


Notes  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

ACT  THIRD. 
Scene  I. 

Plutarch  was  by  no  means  prejudiced  against  the  people,  and 
the  subject  had  to  be  entirely  refashioned  by  Shakespeare  before 
it  would  harmonize  with  his  mood.  The  historian  may  be  guilty 
of  serious  contradictions  in  matters  of  detail,  but  he  endeavours, 
to  the  best  of  his  ability,  to  enter  into  the  circumstances  of  times 
which  were  of  hoary  antiquity,  even  to  him.  The  main  drift  of 
his  narrative  is  to  the  effect  that  Coriolanus  had  already  attained 
to  great  authority  and  influence  in  the  city,  when  the  Senate, 
which  represented  the  wealth  of  the  community,  came  into  col- 
lision with  the  masses.  The  people  were  overridden  by  usurers, 
the  law  was  terribly  severe  upon  debtors,  and  the  poor  were  sub- 
jected to  incessant  distraint;  their  few  possessions  were  sold,  and 
men  who  had  fought  bravely  for  their  country  and  were  covered 
with  honourable  scars  were  frequently  imprisoned.  In  the  recent 
war  with  the  Sabines  the  patricians  had  been  forced  to  promise 
the  people  better  treatment  in  the  future,  but  the  moment  the 
war  was  over  they  broke  their  word,  and  distraint  and  imprison- 
ment went  on  as  before.  After  this  the  plebeians  refused  to  come 
forward  at  the  conscription,  and  the  patricians,  in  spite  of  the 
opposition  of  Coriolanus,  were  compelled  to  yield. 

103,  104.  the  great'st  taste,  etc. : — Whitelaw  explains  the  passage 
thus :  "  The  prevailing  flavour  of  the  whole  smacks  rather  of 
their  voice  than  of  yours.'  Judged  by  results — the  taste  it  leaves 
in  the  mouth — this  dualized  government  of  compromise  gives  ex- 
pression to  the  popular,  rather  than  to  the  patrician,  will :  the 
tribunicial  nay  is  stronger  than  the  consular  yea." 

275,276.  Do  not  cry  havoc,  etc.: — Havoc,  the  signal  for  general 
slaughter,  was  not  to  be  pronounced  with  impunity,  but  by 
authority.  Thus  in  the  Statutes  and  Ordynaunces  of  Warre, 
1513 :  "  That  no  man  be  so  hardy  to  crye  havoke,  upon  payne  of 
him  that  is  so  founde  begynner,  to  dye  therfore,  and  the  reme- 
naunt  to  be  emprysoned,  and  their  bodies  to  be  punyshed  at  the 
kinges  wyll."  The  meaning  of  the  text  is,  do  not  give  the  signal 
for  no  quarter  when  more  moderate  action  may  suffice. 

304.  clean  kam  : — Cotgrave  has :  "  All  goes  cleane  contrarie, 
quite  kamnie."  The  word  occurs  in  Richard  Hooker's  sermon  on 
TJie  Nature  of  Pride:  "Where  is,  then,  the  obliquity  of  the  mind 
of   man?      His    mind    is    perverse,    kam,    and    crooked,    when    it 

184 


CORIOLANUS  Notes 

bendeth  so,  that  it  swerveth  either  to  the  right  hand  or  to  the 
left,  by  excess  or  defect,  from  that  exact  rule  whereby  human 
actions  are  measured."  Clean  kam  appears  to  have  been  cor- 
rupted into  kim-kam ;  of  which  word  Holland's  Plutarch 
furnishes  several  instances:  "  First  mark,  I  beseech  you,  the  com- 
parison, how  they  go  clean  kim-kam,  and  against  the  stream,  as 
if  rivers  run  up  hills." 

Scene  II. 

13.  [Enter  Volumnia.]  Mrs.  Jameson  says  that  "  in  Volumnia, 
Shakespeare  has  given  us  the  portrait  of  a  Roman  matron,  con- 
ceived in  the  true  antique  spirit,  and  finished  in  every  part.  Al- 
though Coriolanus  is  the  hero  of  the  play,  yet  much  of  the  interest 
of  the  action  and  the  final  catastrophe  turn  upon  the  character 
of  his  mother,  Volumnia,  and  the  power  she  exercised  over  his 
mind,  by  which,  according  to  the  story,  '  she  saved  Rome  and  lost 
her  son.'  Her  lofty  patriotism,  her  patrician  haughtiness,  her 
maternal  pride,  her  eloquence,  and  her  towering  spirit,  are  ex- 
hibited with  the  utmost  power  of  effect;  yet  the  truth  of  female 
nature  is  beautifully  preserved,  and  the  portrait,  with  all  its 
vigour,  is  without  harshness." 

Scene  III. 

68  et  seq.  Coriolanus's  fierce  outburst  when  the  name  of  traitor 
is  flung  at  him  proves,  as  Brandes  thinks,  that  Shakespeare  did 
not  look  upon  treason  as  a  pardonable  crime. 

ACT   FOURTH. 
Scene  I. 

1.2.  the  beast  zvith  many  heads: — That  is.  the  many-headed 
multitude.  Coriolanus  is  by  no  means  free  from  personal  pride 
and  ambition,  and  yet  his  foremost  wish  at  all  times  is  but  the 
good  of  his  country.  A  plebeian  government,  in  his  eyes,  is  the 
greatest  of  misfortunes.  He  considers  all  political  rights  as  con- 
nected with  birth,  because  it  includes  all  virtues — love  of  country, 
valour  and  nobility  of  mind.  He  is  the  pure  embodiment  of  the 
aristocratic  principle.  Hence  the  harshness,  the  stubbornness  and 
the    passionate    vehemence    with    which    he    rejects    every    com- 

185 


Notes  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

promise,  every  demand  which  he  regards  as  derogatory ;  this  is 
the  cause  of  his  contempt  of  the  common  herd.  This  contempt  is 
•as  immoderate,  as  exaggerated,  as  his  pride  and  admiration  of 
true  personal  dignity  and  virtue. 

Scene  II. 

I.  he's  gone,  and  zuc'll  no  further: — Rome  is  preserved  from 
cleaving  in  the  midst  by  the  virtues  of  the  state,  the  reverence  for 
the  political  majesty  which  pervades  both  the  contending  parties. 
The  senate  averts  the  last  evil  by  timely  concession  of  the  tribuni- 
tian  power  first,  and  then  by  sacrifice  of  a  favourite  champion  of 
their  own  order,  rather  than  civil  war  shall  break  out  and  all  go 
to  ruin  in  quarrel  for  the  privilege  and  supremacy  of  a  part. 
Rather  than  this  they  will  concede,  and  trust  to  temporizing,  to 
negotiating,  to  management,  to  the  material  influence  of  their 
position  and  the  effect  of  their  own  merits  and  achievements,  to 
secure  their  power  or  recover  it  hereafter.  Among  the  people,  on 
the  other  hand,  there  is  also  a  restraining  sentiment,  a  religion 
that  holds  back  from  the  worst  abuses  of  successful  insurrection 
or  excited  faction.  The  proposition  to  kill  Marcius  is  easily  given 
up.  Even  the  tribunes  are  capable  of  being  persuaded  to  forego 
the  extremity  of  rancour  against  the  enemy  of  the  people,  and  of 
their  authority. 

Scene  IV. 

The  matter  of  this  short  scene  is  more  fully  presented  in 
North's  Plutarch  :  "  Now  in  the  city  of  Antium  there  was  one 
called  Tullus  Aufidius,  who  for  his  riches,  as  also  for  his  nobility 
and  valiantness,  was  honoured  among  the  Volsces  as  a  king. 
Martins  knew  very  well  that  Tullus  did  more  malice  and  envy 
him  than  he  did  all  the  Romans  besides :  because  that  many  times. 
in  battles  where  they  met,  they  were  ever  at  the  encounter  one 
against  another,  like  lusty  courageous  youths  striving  in  all  emu- 
lation of  honour,  and  had  encountered  many  times  together. 
Insomuch  as,  besides  the  common  quarrel  between  them,  there 
was  bred  a  marvellous  private  hate  one  agamst  another.  Yet 
notwithstanding,  considering  that  Tullus  Aufidius  was  a  man  of 
great  mind,  and  that  he  above  all  other  of  the  Volsces  most  de- 
sired revenge  of  the  Romans,  for  the  injuries  they  had  done  unto 
them :  he  did  an  act  that  confirmed  the  words  of  an  ancient  poet 
to  be  true,  who  said : — 

1 86 


CORIOLANUS  Notes 

*  It  is  a  thing  full  hard,  man's  anger  to  withstand. 
If  it  be  stiffy  bent  to  take  an  enterprise  in  hand. 
For  then  most  men  will  have  the  thing  that  they  desire. 
Although  it  cost  their  lives  therefore,  such  force  hath  wicked 


And  so  did  he.  For  he  disguised  himself  in  such  array  and  attire, 
as  he  thought  no  man  could  ever  have  known  him  for  the  person 
he  was,  seeing  him  in  that  apparel  he  had  upon  his  back:  and  as 
Homer  said  of  Ulysses  : — 

'  So  did  he  enter  into  the  enemies"  town.' 

It  was  even  twilight  when  he  entered  the  city  of  Antium,  and 
many  people  met  him  in  the  streets,  but  no  man  knew  him.  So 
he  went  directlv  to  Tullus  Aufidius's  house." 


Scene  V. 

68  et  seq.  The  quick  change  that  takes  place  in  the  demeanour 
of  Coriolanus,  after  his  sentence  of  banishment,  is  most  ex- 
pressive: his  nature  is  now  in  truth  subjected  by  a  deeper  feeling 
than  it  ever  owned  before.  He  who  could  not  soothe  either 
populace,  tribunes  or  patricians,  is  seen  an  actual  dissimulator  for 
the  time,  as  he  urges  composure — himself  apparently  composed, 
on  his  wailing  and  indignant  family  and  mourning  friends.  For 
the  first  time  he  has  embraced  a  bold  counsel,  and  holds  it  con- 
cealed. In  the  presence  of  his  former  hated  enemy  Tullus,  he 
learns  such  deliberate  and  impressive  speech  that  gains  him  over 
immediately,  and  the  feelings  of  the  Volscian  are  the  subject  of  a 
revulsion  as  sudden  as  those  of  Coriolanus  himself. 

216,217.  directitiide: — "The  third  servant,"  says  Clarke. 
"  wishing  to  use  a  fine  long  word  and  intending  to  coin  some  such 
term  as  discrcditude  from  discredit,  or  dejcctitude  from  dejected- 
ness  (Shakespeare  using  the  words  discredit,  deject,  and  dejected 
in  such  a  way  as  to  countenance  either  of  these  suggestions), 
blunders  out  his  grandiloquent  directitude.  The  author's  relish 
of  the  joke  is  pleasantly  indicated  by  his  making  the  first  servant 
repeat  the  word  amazedly,  as  if  not  knowing  what  to  make  of  it. 
and  ask  its  meaning;  and  then  making  the  third  servant  avoid 
the  inconvenient  inquiry  by  not  noticing  it,  but  running  on  with 
his  own  harangue." 

%  187 


Notes  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

Scene  VI. 

I.  IVe  hear  not  of  him,  etc. : — The  expulsion  of  Coriolanus  is 
proof  and  witness  of  the  young  vitality  of  the  body  politic,  which 
is  able  thus  harmlessly  and  decisively  to  thrust  out  an  element 
that  is  hostile ;  for  Coriolanus  is  a  type  of  all  the  trouble  and 
mischief  that  befel  the  republic  in  ensuing  years,  from  the  traitor- 
ous selfishness  of  otherwise  well-meriting  servants  that  it  re- 
tained within  its  bosom. 

Scene  VII. 

34.  osprcy : — This  fine  allusion  is  well  explained  by  the  follow- 
ing from  Drayton's  Polyolbion,  xxv.  134: — 

"  The  asp  ray  oft  here  seen,  though  seldom  here  it  breeds. 
Which  over  them  the  fish  no  sooner  do  espy. 
But  (betwixt  him  and  them,  by  an  antipathy) 
Turning  their  bellies  up,  as  though  their  death  they  saw. 
They  at  his  pleasure  lie,  to  stuff  his  glutt'nous  maw." 

And  in  Peele's  Battle  of  Alcazar,  1594: — 

"  I  will  provide  thee  of  a  princely  osprey, 
That,  as  she  flieth  over  fish  in  pools, 
The  fish  shall  turn  their  glistening  bellies  up, 
And  thou  shalt  take  thy  liberal  choice  of  all." 

Again,  in  TJic  Tzi'o  Noble  Kinsmen,  i.  i  : — 

"  Your  actions 
Soon  as  they  move,  as  ospreys  do  the  fish, 
Subdue  before  they  touch." 

37-43.  zvhether  'twas  pride  .  .  .  cushion  : — "Aufidius,"  says 
Johnson,  "assigns  three  probable  reasons  for  the  miscarriage  of 
Coriolanus ;  pride,  which  easily  follows  an  uninterrupted  train 
of  success;  unskilfulness  to  regulate  the  consequences  of  his  own 
victories ;  a  stubborn  uniformity  of  nature,  which  could  not  make 
the  proper  transition  from  the  casque  to  the  cushion,  or  chair  of 
civil  authority;  but  acted  with  the  same  despotism  in  peace  as 
in  war." 

49,  50.  So  our  virtues,  etc. : — Whitelaw  explains  the  passage  as 
follows:    "Our  virtues  are  virtues  no  longer  if  the  time  interprets 

188 


CORIOLANUS  Notes 

them  as  none.  The  soldier  who  is  all  soldier  is  misinterpreted  in 
time  of  peace  ;  for  his  unfitness  for  peace  is  seen,  his  fitness  for 
war  is  not  seen." 


ACT  FIFTH. 
Scene  I. 

50.  This  observation  is  not  only  from  nature,  and  finely  ex- 
pressed, but  admirably  befits  the  mouth  of  one  who,  in  the  begin- 
ning of  the  play,  had  told  us  that  he  loved  convivial  doings. 

59,  60.  "  In  the  last  Act."  says  Lloyd,  "  when  old  Menenius  con- 
sents to  try  his  influence,  the  tribune  assures  him,  '  You  know  the 
very  road  into  his  kindness,  and  cannot  lose  your  way  ' ;  and 
whatever  oddity  there  may  be  in  the  way  he  attempts,  I  do  not 
doubt  it  was  that  which  he  thought,  and  justly,  gave  him  the  best 
chance.  '  Shakespeare  wanted  a  buffoon,'  says  Johnson  in  refer- 
ence to  Menenius.  '  and  he  went  into  the  senate-house  for  that 
with  which  the  senate-house  would  most  certainly  have  supplied 
him.'  Johnson  had  not  reported  and  written  debates  for  the 
Lords'  house  without  making  some  observations;  but  as  regards 
Menenius,  it  is  unfair  to  call  him  a  buiffoon,  for  he 'evinces  so 
much  sober  earnestness  in  the  scenes  of  the  senate-house,  that 
he  would  not  have  failed  had  the  occasion  invited  such  a  display 
again." 

Scene  III. 

22  et  seq.  Mrs.  Jameson  says :  "  When  the  spirit  of  the  mother 
and  the  son  are  brought  into  immediate  collision,  he  yields  before 
her;  the  warrior  who  stemmed  alone  the  whole  city  of  Corioli, 
who  was  ready  to  face  '  the  steep  Tarpeian  death,  or  at  wild 
horses'  heels, — vagabond  exile — flaying,'  rather  than  abate  one 
jot  of  his  proud  will — shrinks  at  her  rebuke.  The  haughty,  fiery, 
overbearing  temperament  of  Coriolanus,  is  drawn  in  such  forcible 
and  striking  colours,  that  nothing  can  more  impress  us  with  the 
real  grandeur  and  power  of  Volumnia's  character  than  his  bound- 
less submission  to  her  will — his  more  than  filial  tenderness  and 
respect." 

94  et  seq.  Again  Mrs.  Jameson :  "  The  triumph  of  Volumnia's 
character,  the  full  display  of  all  her  grandeur  of  soul,  her  patriot- 
ism, her  strong  affections,  and  her  sublime  eloquence,  are  reserved 

189 


Notes  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

for  her  last  scene,  in  which  she  pleads  for  the  safety  of  Rome, 
and  wins  from  her  angry  son  that  peace  which  all  the  swords  of 
Italy  and  her  confederate  arms  could  not  have  purchased.  The 
strict  and  even  literal  adherence  to  the  truth  of  history  is  an 
additional  beauty."  This  famous  speech,  ending  with  line  182. 
closely  follows  the  spirit  and  letter  of  Plutarch,  as  rendered  by 
North:  "My  son,  why  dost  thou  not  answ^er  me?  Dost  thou 
think  it  good  altogether  to  give  place  unto  thy  choler  and  desire 
of  revenge,  and  thinkest  thou  it  not  honesty  [an  honour]  for  thee 
to  grant  thy  mother's  request  in  so  weighty  a  cause?  Dost  thou 
take  it  honourable  for  a  nobleman  to  remember  the  Avrongs  and 
injuries  done  him.  and  dost  not  in  like  case  think  it  an  honest 
nobleman's  part  to  be  thankful  for  the  goodness  that  parents  do 
show  to  their  children,  acknowledging  the  duty  and  reverence 
they  ought  to  bear  unto  them?  No  man  living  is  more  bound  to 
show  himself  thankful  in  all  parts  and  respects  than  thyself,  who 
so  universally  showest  all  ingratitude.  Moreover,  my  son,  thou 
hast  sorely  taken  of  thy  country,  exacting  grievous  payments  upon 
them  in  re-^enge  of  the  injuries  offered  thee;  besides,  thou  hast 
not  hitherto  showed  thy  poor  mother  any  courtesy.  And.  there- 
fore, it  is  not  only  honest  [honourable],  but  due  unto  me.  that 
without  compulsion  I  should  obtain  my  so  just  and  reasonable 
request  of  thee.  But  since  by  reason  I  cannot  persuade  thee  to  it, 
to  what  purpose  do  I  defer  my  last  hope?"  And  with  these 
words,  herself,  his  wife,  and  children  fell  down  upon  their  knees 
before  him. 

Scenes  IV.=V. 

With  scarcely  the  intervention  of  any  speaker  of  superior 
gravity  to  Menenius,  the  return  and  reception  of  the  successful 
embassy  of  ladies  and  their  demeanour  are  set  before  us  with 
such  simple  force  as  to  excite  our  veneration  for  the  state  deserv- 
edly destined  to  be  imperial.  The  last  encounter  of  the  ladies  and 
the  city  was  marked  by  the  mad  petulance  of  Volumnia  enraged 
at  her  loss,  and  the  pettish  lamentations  of  Virgilia  ;  they  now 
pass  along  after  a  still  greater  private  loss — for  hope  of  the  re- 
turn of  Coriolanus  is  over — silent  and  dignified,  and  all  the  mem- 
bers of  the  state  that  were  before  opposed,  unite  to  accompany 
them  with  honour,  and  senators  and  patricians,  tribunes  and  peo- 
ple, forget  all  past  disputes  in  joy  and  gratitude  for  the  salvation 
of  the  state  which  none  was  false  to  in  its  hour  of  utmost  peril. 

190 


CORIOLANUS  Notes 

Scene  VI. 

132.  Kill: — In  the  concluding  Scene  we  appear  to  see  the  su- 
premacy of  Rome  assured,  by  her  former  faults  and  excesses  ap- 
pearing to  be  expelled  with  the  banished  Coriolanus  to  her 
enemies.  In  the  capitol  of  the  Volscians  is  perpetrated  the  as- 
sassination from  the  disgrace  of  which  the  better  spirit  of  the 
Romans  preserved  their  city;  Aufidius  and  his  fellows  with  equal 
envy  and  ingratitude  take  the  place  of  the  plotting  tribunes,  and 
the  senators  are  powerless  to  control  the  conspirators  and  the 
mob  of  citizens  who  abet  them.  For  Coriolanus  himself  it  cannot 
be  said  that  his  mercy  to  his  native  city  either  sprung  from  or 
engendered  a  nobler  sentiment  of  patriotism  than  he  had  shown 
himself  capable  of  entertaining  before ;  he  returns  the  soldier  of 
the  Volscian  as  he  went,  and  the  only  alleviation  that  his  fate 
admits  is  that  it  is  at  least  by  an  outburst  of  his  original  nature, 
faulty  as  it  might  be,  that  he  provokes  it,  and  that,  carried  away 
by  passion  and  impatience,  he  dies  at  least  in  declared  exultation ' 
at  an  exploit  performed  when  he  was  the  glorious  soldier  of 
Rome. 


19T 


THE  TRAGEDY  OF 


Questions  on  Coriolanus. 


ACT  FIRST. 

1.  Why  does  the  play  open  with  a  scene  presenting  the  common 
people  ? 

2.  In  what  respects  does  this  mob  resemble  the  Jack  Cade 
mob  presented  in  2  Henry  VI.? 

3.  What  opinion  of  Caius  Marcius  is  held  by  the  citizens  ? 

4.  How  does  Menenius  make  application  of  the  fable  of  The 
Belly  and  the  Members? 

5.  Mention  some  of  the  things  that  Caius  Marcius  says  about 
the  common  people  in  his  first  speech.  What  does  he  say  about 
the  use  of  proverbs?  What  said  Lord  Chesterfield  about  the 
same? 

6.  Is  it  Shakespeare's  usual  method  to  introduce  a  character  in 
this  way?  Does  the  situation  develop  the  attitude  of  Caius  Mar- 
cius, or  does  he  seem  to  come  forth  as  the  possessor  of  an  habitual 
mood? 

7.  Why  does  Caius  Marcius  welcome  the  news  of  the  bellig- 
erency of  the  Volscians?  What  is  foreshadowed  in  what  he  says 
of  Tullus  Aufidius? 

8.  What  is  the  comment  on  Marcius  made  by  the  tribunes  after 
his  withdrawal  ? 

9.  What  is  effected  by  Sc.  ii.  ? 

10.  In  Sc.  iii.,  where  Volumnia  first  appears,  what  is  the  sub- 
ject of  her  discourse  and  what  national  trait  does  it  display? 
How  is  Virgilia  contrasted  with  her?  What  interests  her  imagi- 
nation ? 

11.  How  is  cruelty  as  a  trait  ascribed  to  Marcius? 

12.  How  is  the  iron  temper  of  the  times  indicated  by  the  do- 
mestic picture  shown  in  Sc.  iii.?    For  what  does  Virgilia  stand? 

13.  Describe  the  battle  incidents  of  Sc.  iv.  and  indicate  their 
effect  upon  Marcius. 

14.  How  is  Marcius  presented  in  Sc.  v.;  how  in  Sc.  vi.? 

15.  Does  Sc.  viii.  bear  out  the  reality  of  all  the  boasting  of 
Marcius?    Is  the  incident  suitable  for  representation? 

192 


CORIOLANUS  Questions 

i6.  How  does  Marcius  receivetthe  honours  of  war?  Compare 
Plutarch's  account  of  the  incident  of  the  prisoner  for  whom 
Coriolanus  begged  release  with  Shakespeare's  presentation  of  it. 

17.  What  terms  are  granted  to  the  Volscian  city?  How  does 
Aufidius  speak  of  Coriolanus? 


ACT  SECOND. 

18.  What  account  of  himself  does  Menenius  give  in  Sc.  i.? 
Has  he  humour;  has  he  patrician  arrogance?  Compare  him  with 
Lafeu  in  All's  Well  that  Ends  Well. 

19.  How  does  he  contrast  with  Coriolanus  in  his  opinion  of 
the  plebeian  orders? 

20.  Indicate  the  purpose  of  the  scene  between  Menenius  and 
the  women.  Is  Volumnia  indifferent  to  the  honours  that  proceed 
from  the  common  people? 

21.  How  is  Coriolanus  welcomed  home  by  his  mother;  how  by 
his  wife? 

22.  What  of  his  courtesy  to  women? 

23.  Where  does  Coriolanus  first  go  in  the  city? 

24.  In  what  spirit  does  Brutus  describe  the  crowd  (lines  213- 
229)  that  go  out  to  meet  Coriolanus? 

25.  What  do  the  tribunes  fear  from  Coriolanus's  elevation? 
What  dramatic  purpose  is  effected  by  lines  232-234? 

26.  What  had  Coriolanus  said  about  the  manner  of  suing  for 
the  consulship?  What  schemes  for  his  defeat  do  the  two  tribunes 
meditate? 

27.  How  is  the  enveloping  atmosphere  of  the  play  indicated  in 
the  dialogue  of  the  two  Officers  in  Sc.  ii.? 

28.  W^hat  provocation  did  Brutus  give  for  the  outbreak  of 
Coriolanus  in  the  senate? 

29.  Against  what  prerogative  of  the  commons  does  Coriolanus 
inveigh?  What  motive  prompts  him?  Do  his  words  react  against 
him? 

30.  How  (Sc.  iii.)  do  the  citizens  reason?  How  does  the  pre- 
liminary of  the  Scene  prepare  for  the  public  appearance  of  Corio- 
lanus? 

31.  What  feelings  bred  by  his  egotism  does  Coriolanus  show 
at  the  outset?  How  are  the  three  scenes  of  petitioning  differen- 
tiated? Has  Coriolanus  any  better  excuse  than  personal  repug- 
nance to  deter  him  from  asking  the  people  for  their  voices? 

193 


Questions  THE  TRAGEDY  OF 

32.  How  are  the  commons  wrought  upon  to  withdraw  the 
promises  they  have  given? 

ACT  THIRD. 

S3.  With  what  ominous  sounds  does  Sc.  i.  open?  Is  there  irony 
in  lines  19,  20? 

34.  What  does  Coriolanus  say  of  the  free  distribution  of  corn? 
What  measure  of  political  wisdom  do€S  he  utter  during  his  in- 
dignant rejoinder  to  Sicinius? 

35.  Were  not  the  commons  right  in  rejecting  him  as  consul? 

36.  How  is  the  brawl  fomented?  Does  Coriolanus  bear  himself 
with  dignity?  Is  there  heard  ever  a  word  of  criticism  of  him 
from  his  fellow  patricians? 

S7.  What  influence  has  Menenius  upon  the  crowd? 

38.  Does  Volumnia  in  Sc.  ii.  council  prudence?  Is  she  superior 
to  her  son  in  mental  power? 

39.  Comment  upon  the  ethics  of  her  speech  beginning  line  52. 
What  motive  impels  her  to  urge  her  son  to  conciliate  the  angry 
people  ? 

40.  What  leads  Coriolanus  to  yield?  With  what  presage  of 
success  does  he  go  forth? 

■   41.  How  does   Sicinius  prepare   for  the   appearance  of  Corio- 
lanus ? 

42.  What  instinct  leads  Coriolanus  to  turn  inquisitor  first? 
What  stirs  up  his  anger  again? 

43.  Was  there  consideration  in  the  sentence  passed  upon  him? 

44.  Indicate  the  efifect  of  his  final  speech.  Being  the  apotheosis 
of  egotism,  what  does  it  need  behind  it  to  carry  conviction? 

ACT  FOURTH. 

45.  What    Is    the    unconscious    irony    of    Coriolanus's    words, 

Sc.i.4? 

46.  Was  it  maternal  love  or  disappointed  ambition  that  caused 
Volumnia  to  forget  her  patriotism? 

47.  How  does  Sc.  ii.  present  Volumnia?  How  is  the  action  ad- 
vanced by  Sc.  iii.? 

48.  How  does  Coriolanus  philosophize  in  Sc.  iv.  ?  What  con- 
necting link  in  the  action  is  here  supplied? 

49.  Characterize  the  humour  of  the  scene  of  the  parley  of  Corio- 
lanus with  the  servants  of  Aufidius. 

194 


CORIOLANUS  Questions 

50.  In  Coriolanus's  account  of  himself  to  Aufidius  what  in- 
justice does  he  do  the  nobles  of  Rome?  How  does  this  show  his 
egotism  and  the  narrowness  of  his  vision? 

51.  In  the  reply  of  Aufidius  how  much  is  due  to  poetic  passion 
and  how  much  to  manners  now  made  obsolete? 

52.  What  future  action  do  they  determine  upon? 

53.  Point  out  the  humour  of  the  servants'  talk  following. 

54.  What  truth  and  irony  are  expressed  in  Sicinius's  speech 
opening  Sc.  vi. ?     How  is  the  speech  translated  into  action? 

55.  Compare  the  manner  in  which  the  news  of  the  Volscian 
prisoner  is  received  by  Menenius  and  by  Sicinius  and  Brutus. 
What  traits  of  class  are  illustrated  thereby? 

56.  How  does  Menenius  misunderstand  Coriolanus? 

57.  What  effect  is  made  upon  nobles  and  upon  commons  by  the 
news  that  the  Volscians  approach,  led  by  Coriolanus?  How  is 
the  general  drift  of  the  play  as  a  comment  on  democracy  sub- 
served ? 

58.  What  is  the  nature  of  the  complaint  of  Aufidius  against 
Coriolanus?     Does  he  point  the  defect  in  the  latter? 

59.  Show  the  underlying  irony  of  this  Act  as  exhibiting  the 
falling  action. 

ACT  FIFTH: 

60.  How  in  the  report  of  Cominius  is  Coriolanus  shown  to  feel 
towards  Rome?  What  has  he  done  with  friendship;  with  filial 
and  family  affections? 

61.  How  does  Menenius  plan  to  prepare  him  for  his  own  re- 
quests?   How  is  he  received  in  the  Volscian  camp? 

62.  Where  is  Sc.  iii.  prepared  for?  What  yielding  was  there 
towards  Menenius?  What  does  Coriolanus  say  at  the  entrance 
of  his  mother  and  his  wife? 

6z.  How  is  he  finally  affected  by  their  appearance? 

64.  Trace  the  stages  of  emotion  in  Volumnia's  plea.  What 
passion  is  supreme  in  her?  What  is. the  effect  of  the  two  lines 
spoken  by  young  Marcius? 

65.  In  yielding  to  his  mother  what  does  Coriolanus  surrender? 

66.  What  is  the  effect  of  the  comments  of  Menenius  in  Sc.  iv.  ? 

67.  What  cover  has  Aufidius  for  his  jealous  perfidy? 

68.  What  report  does  Coriolanus  make  to  the  lords  of  the 
Volscians?  What  trait  is  exhibited  in  his  taking  up  Aufidius's 
insult,  Boyl 

t95 


Questions 

69.  Does  the  play  close  with  the  note  of  optimism  observable  in 
some  of  Shakespeare's  tragedies? 


70.  What  is  the  imderl3ang  philosophy  of  this  play? 

71.  Comment  on  the  perfection  as  well  as  simplicity  or  its  con- 
struction. 

']2.  Hazlitt  has  called  Coriolanus  "  a  perfect  character."  Other 
critics  have  spoken  of  him  as  the  personification  of  a  mood.  Is 
there  disagreement  between  the  two ;  and  which,  in  your  opinion, 
is  right? 

']},.  Does  this  play  suggest  the  methods  in  which  Marlowe 
usually  worked? 

74.  Does  this  play  more  than  some  others  suggest  a  set  purpose 
on  the  part  of  the  dramatist  to  inculcate  something  of  his  own 
political  philosophy?  What  constructive  peculiarities  seem  to 
bear  out  the  view  ? 


106 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA-LOS   ANGELES 


L  009  978  337  5 


